Citizens Advice St Helens

Good Morning St. Helens! Here are all the ways you can get in touch with us this week for free, impartial and independent advice. 💙

You might be able to pay less council tax or not pay it at all depending on your circumstances. For example, you could get Council Tax Reduction if you have low income. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4mbH3Ys

If you get a text asking you to pay to get your parcel or reschedule the delivery, it’s usually a scam. ❌ Don’t click any links - delivery companies won’t ask you to pay them through a link in a text. Here’s what you need to know ⤵️ bit.ly/4lkuytX

Do you use alternative fuels such as oil, coal or wood to keep your home warm? You might be able to get extra help if you can’t afford to buy fuel. Check our online advice ⤵️ bit.ly/3Np22vq

You should check what your employment contract says about working on bank holidays. If you don’t have a contract, ask your employer what their rules are. Find out more about your work rights ⤵️ bit.ly/4mgLhPd

💬 It can be frustrating to get cold calls and messages selling you something you don’t need or saying you’re due compensation. There are some actions you can take to stop getting these nuisance communications ⤵️ bit.ly/44cE8cf

If you’ve been struggling to keep up your mortgage payments, you may have started to build up a debt - this is often called mortgage arrears. ➡️ You’ll need to work out a way to pay back what you owe. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/49yhsWt

☕ Most workers are entitled to rest breaks but some jobs mean you don’t have an automatic legal right to breaks. You might not be paid for your rest breaks - your employment contract will say if you are. Check your work rights ⤵️ bit.ly/3I2umkH

🚄 You’re entitled to a full refund if your train was cancelled and you couldn't take the next train or decided not to travel. Our advice can help you ⤵️ bit.ly/4pDNiX5

Universal Credit is gradually replacing benefits like Income Support, which will end in April 2026. ✅ You should get a ‘migration notice’ letter telling you to claim Universal Credit by a certain date. Read more on our website ⤵️ bit.ly/4aH5yu1

If you’re behind on your rent payments, you should: 📝 Check how much rent you owe 📞 Talk to your landlord 🔍 Get help to pay the rent arrears Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/3ILOlUq

You’re entitled to the minimum wage or living wage if you’re an employee or a worker - including an agency worker. Check your work rights on our website ⤵️ bit.ly/40o0WTk

If you’re having problems with your neighbour: ✍️ Take a note of when it happens 💬 Talk to them if you feel safe and comfortable ✅ Get help from a mediator Here’s what steps you can take ⤵️ bit.ly/4qWRn91

🎟️ Have you bought event tickets from an official seller? You can get a refund if the organiser cancels, moves or reschedules the event. Find out what your consumer rights are ⤵️ bit.ly/4m4X2I2

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you have an illness, disability or mental health condition. We can help you check if you’re eligible for PIP ⤵️ bit.ly/40n9sSD

🛍️ Have you bought something that’s fake or counterfeit? You have the legal right to a refund. You can also report the seller to Trading Standards or report them for fraud. Check your consumer rights ⤵️ bit.ly/3GS35QV

⚠️ Your Universal Credit payments could be temporarily reduced if you haven’t done one of the activities in your claimant commitment. This is known as being sanctioned. Here’s what you need to know ⤵️ bit.ly/4cnTBKN

Is your landlord not doing the repairs they’re responsible for? It’s best to speak to them first to resolve your problem. ✅ If that doesn’t help, there are steps you can take to complain. Our online advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/3MxL3qh

You’re entitled to paid holidays if you’re an employee or a worker - including an agency worker. 🗓️ You have to take your holiday in a period called a ‘leave year’. We can help you understand your rights at work ⤵️ bit.ly/4apanXf

There are steps you can take if you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills. ➡️ You should contact your supplier to let them know. They have to help you come to a solution to pay what you owe them. Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/4rJzMCa

Looking to save money on your gas and electricity? You could consider switching suppliers or a different tariff with your current supplier. Before that, check if you can switch ⤵️ bit.ly/4c5ouDw