Cost of Living
Within this dedicated cost of living area, you will find lots of useful information about what financial support is available, what help and advice we can offer and also where you can go to find specialist guidance.
The continuing rises in the cost of living are affecting us all, so we understand what a worrying and difficult time it is for all of our customers.
Information and advice is available to help you save money, keep your home warm and stay safe this winter.
Getting in touch
If you are struggling to pay your rent and bills, you can get in touch by completing our form in the link below or by calling 0333 200 7304 and asking for our Successful Tenancies Team, who will be able to help you.
Government support
Below is a summary of support available from the government and other sources that may be able to help you.
| Payment | Date to be paid | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Payment, totalling £650, for those on low income means- tested benefits | First payment of £326 paid in July 2022 with a second payment of £324 paid in the Autumn of 2022 – totalling £650 |
People on an eligible benefit in payment on each qualifying date. These benefits are:
|
| Cost of Living Payment, totalling £650, for those on Tax Credits only | First payment of £326 will be paid from Autumn 2022 with a second payment of £324 to be paid Winter 2022 – totalling £650 |
For eligible households receiving tax credits on each qualifying date. It is possible to be entitled to both tax credits and other eligible benefits. So HMRC will make payments to eligible people only receiving tax credits, shortly after DWP will pay to all those on other benefits, to avoid duplicate payments. |
| One-off disability payment of £150 | September 2022 |
People on an eligible disability benefit in payment on any day between 26 April and 25 May 2022 will receive a one-off payment of £150 in September 2022. |
| One-off £300 increase to Winter Fuel Payment | As part of Winter Fuel Payment from mid-November |
This is a one-off increase for pensioner households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment and will be paid on top of any other one-off support an eligible pensioner household is entitled to. |
General Support
Household Support Fund
Your local authority may be able to support with your energy issue directly through the Household Support or let you know about local services in your area that can help you.
The Household Support Fund provides funding to help people who are struggling to afford food and utility bills (heating, cooking, lighting) and water (including drinking, washing, cooking, central heating, sewerage and sanitary purposes). This support is provided directly by your local authority.
Support Schemes
You may also be eligible for help through a number of other schemes:
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Warm Home Discount - You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.
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Winter Fuel Payments - If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you could be eligible for further help with energy bills, through a winter fuel payment. To find out more you can watch this video which explains who is eligible, etc.
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Cold Weather Payments - The cold weather payment helps people on low incomes to heat their homes when it’s particularly cold.
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Healthy Start - If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, you may be entitled to help to buy healthy food and milk.
Council Tax
The government has also already given households that are on Band A - D a £150 council tax rebate. You should have received this in April 2022. If you haven’t got your rebate, you should contact your local council.
Find Your Local CouncilMoney and Debt Advice
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Citizens Advice – grant and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
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Help for Households – this useful government webpage explains all the help on offer.
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Money Advice Expert – Money saving tips.
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Turn2Us – cost of living support.
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Step Change - free and expert advice to help you deal with debt.
General support
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Age UK | The UK's leading charity helping every older person who needs us
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Royal British Legion - Provides support for ex-service and serving personnel and their family
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Ben Friends Trust - Help for those who have worked or work within the automobile industry
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Family Fund - Grants for disabled children
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Family Holiday Charity – This charity helps families who are on low incomes that haven’t had a holiday together in the last four and have at least one child under 18, to get away.
Wellbeing Support
If you are struggling with your mental health, one of the organisations below may be able to help.
Urgent Support
If you are feeling distressed and urgently need to talk to someone, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. You can call them any time, day or night, 365 days of the year.
If you are concerned about someone else, please encourage them to do the same or report your concerns to your local safeguarding team - their details can be found on your local authority website.
If someone is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.
