There are many benefits and grants available which you can look into in more details on the Government’s website.
The Household Support Fund has been extended to cover the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
This is government funding given to local councils who then distribute this for those who need real help with essential costs. This could be for help if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You don't need to be on benefits already but if you are, they won't be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.
How can I find out more?
All councils run their schemes differently so there may be differences in:
- eligibility criteria
- if, or how you need to apply
- who money is given to
For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available.
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you're over State Pension age and on a low income.
You might be eligible to get Pension Credit if you live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age.*
Other eligibility applies*
Pension Credit is paid in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. It's separate from your State Pension.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level.
Savings Credit is extra money if you have savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It's available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How do I apply for Pension Credit?
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach the State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months. This means you can get up to 3 months payment if you were eligible during a specific time but did not claim.
You can apply by the:
- Online service if you have already applied for your State Pension
- Telephone by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234
- Post by printing out the Pension Credit claim form.
For more information on Pension Credit and ways to apply, click here or visit www.gov.uk
- Self-employment and Universal Credit
- Get help with the cost of living from your local council
- Disabled Facilities Grants
- Manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills
- Get help with NHS prescriptions and health costs
- Get a prescription prepayment certificate
- Support visits if you need help to claim benefits
However, we also have a new enhanced calculator (better than the one on you’ll find on gov.uk) where you can:
- complete an online benefits check;
- look at benefits, such as council tax exemptions and the warm home discount scheme etc;
- use the budgeting tool, which allows you to look at your spending and see where you could save money.
Benefits and budgeting calculator
There’s also the option at the end of the process to email our Money Advice Team for further support with benefits applications.
We can offer support with all benefits, including looking at what you might be entitled to if your circumstances have changed.
If you have a rent arrears payment plan with us and want to amend it, then get in touch so we can discuss it with you.