For personalised advice and to check whether you’re eligible for extra money or help, visit your local Citizens Advice or the Citizens Advice website at citizensadvice.org.uk.
- Check whether you’re eligible for extra money or help from the government: You might be able to get a one-off payment, or claim /increase your current benefits if you’re: struggling to afford essential things –
- such as food and housing
- sick or disabled
- a pensioner on a low income
- a carer
- responsible for children
You can visit your local Citizens Advice to find out which benefits you’re entitled, or visit our website to use a benefits calculator (citizensadvice.org.uk/what-benefits-can-i-get)
- There might be some other ways you can get help with paying for daily essentials:
- Food - If you're struggling to pay for food, you can get help from a food bank. You can also contact the local council, as you might also be able to get vouchers to pay for a hot meal(citizensadvice.org.uk/using-a-food-bank)
- Rent- If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn't cover all your rent and you need more money, you could make a claim fora discretionary housing payment (DHP). Contact your local council to find out whether you can make a claim
- If your landlord says that they are going to increase your rent, seek advice about how and when they can do this.
- Council tax- you might be able to pay less council tax or not pay it at all depending on your circumstances. Check on the Citizens Advice website
- Other daily essentials - You might be able to get what's called a 'budgeting advance' or ‘budgeting loan’ for essentials like clothing or a washing machine if you claim certain benefits. These are interest-free. Check what you could get and how to- apply on GOV.UK.
- If you’re struggling with your energy bills, you might be able to save money through additional support:
- Visit your local Citizens Advice office to receive in person adviceabout ways to reduce your energy use.
- Check if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount: Energy suppliers can provide rebates to households on certain benefits.
- Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £130 a year on household energy bills. Visit the ‘Simple Energy Advice ’website to get personalised energy savings advice.
- Making your home more energy efficient: You might be able to cut your energy bills by installing insulation, glazing or a more efficient heating system in your home. If you're on a low income you might be able to get help with the cost of making improvements. Check the energy grants calculator on GOV.UK.
- You can also contact your energy supplier to see what support they can offer: For example, they could:
- Arrange for debts to be paid through a payment plan (paying off your debts in fixed instalments over a set period of time, meaning you’ll pay what you can afford).
- Provide a grant to pay off energy debt (you may need to complete a budgeting sheet first with a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approved adviser)
It’s a good idea to get debt advice before contacting your supplier by visiting your local Citizens Advice or the Citizens Advice website atcitizensadvice.org.uk