Help for Households

Here you will find lots of useful information about what financial support is available to you, what help and advice we can offer and also where you can go to find specialist guidance.

Winter Ready Advice and Tips
Man worried with bill
Platform's £250m Sustainability Bond

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). 

Contact your local council to see if you are eligible.

What Government support is available for you?

You might be able to get extra help from the government with everyday costs.

This can include benefits to top up your income, help with rent and bills, support if you’re older or disabled, and help with childcare, debt and money worries.

Benefits, tax and work Help to increase your income if you’re on a low wage, out of work or looking after someone, including Universal Credit and Carer’s Allowance.
Living costs: bills, housing and health Support with bills and everyday costs, including help with rent, Council Tax Reduction and NHS prescription and health costs.
If you’re disabled or have a health condition Find out what support is available if you’re disabled or have a health condition. This includes disability benefits and support with prescriptions and health costs.
Childcare and maternity costs Help with childcare and family costs, including free childcare hours, free school meals and other support for parents and carers.
If you’re finding things difficult There is support available if money worries are affecting your mental health or you’re experiencing domestic abuse or other serious problems at home.

Help with energy and heating costs

You might be able to get extra help with energy and heating costs from the government. These payments and discounts depend on things like your age, income and the benefits you get.

Select an option below to find out more and see if you are eligible for these benefits.

 

Warm Home Discount Get £150 off one electricity bill. If you can get this discount, your electricity company takes the money off your bill for you.
Winter Fuel Payment If you were born before 22 September 1959, you may get £100 to £300 each winter to help with heating costs.
Cold Weather Payment During weeks of very cold weather, you could be eligible for an extra £25 to help with heating costs if you get certain benefits.

Older couple talking and receiving help and support from an advisor sat around a table

Specialist Help and Advice

  • Age UK - The UK's leading charity helping every older person who needs support
  • Royal British Legion - Provides support for ex-service and serving personnel and their family
  • Ben Friends Trust - Help for those who have worked or work within the automobile industry
  • Family Fund - Grants for disabled children
  • 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. 

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.

Should you have concerns 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.

Mind Offers information on mental health problems, treatment options and where to get support, plus guidance for supporting someone else.
NHS Every Mind Matters Provides mental health information and advice to help you look after your wellbeing or support someone you know.
Citizens Advice Offers free, independent and confidential advice online, by phone and in person on issues including benefits, debt, housing and work.
Samaritans Offers 24/7 confidential emotional support if you need someone to talk to, by phone and other contact options.
Mental Health Foundation Provides mental health information and advice to help you look after your wellbeing or support someone you know.
Reasons to Stay is a suicide prevention project that shares anonymous, supportive letters written by volunteers to reach people during difficult moments. The site also signposts professional support options and encourages reaching out for help if needed.

Cost of living

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. 

Successful Tenancies Support Form

Money and benefits advice
Wellbeing Fund
Winter Ready Advice and Tips