Cost of Living

Help with money

If you are struggling with money, you should check you are getting the correct support. Up to 7 million people are not claiming benefits they are entitled to. Check that you are not one of them with Fighting UK Poverty - Turn2us. This also includes those of State Pension age who may be entitled to Pension Credit.

Immediate financial help

If you need immediate financial help you may be entitled to emergency support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or us - Immediate financial help.

If you require assistance with paying your Council Tax, you may be entitled to a reduction, discount or exemption to help reduce your bill. Reducing your Council Tax can help you identify financial help which may be available to you based on your current circumstances.

Debt and money

You can find further help and information on managing debt and advice for dealing with creditors on our debt and money page.

Breathing Space Debt Respite Scheme

If you are in debt and need a break from interest, fees, and court action for up to 60 days, the Breathing Space Debt Respite Scheme may be able to help.

You can find further information on the GOV.UK website.

Citizen Advice (CA)

Your local Citizens Advice provides free and independent advice to anyone who is struggling with money problems.

You can get advice in lots of different ways, through -

  • face-to-face meetings
  • over the phone
  • by webchat
  • letter
  • email

Advisors can help with -

  • benefit checks
  • completing complex forms
  • negotiating with third parties

such as -

To get help or find out more visit Citizens Advice.

Family Information Service

Find out what funded childcare there is available from the Family Information Service website.

Mobile phones

The National Databank provides free -

  • mobile data
  • texts
  • calls

for people in need.

Anyone that does not have regular access to the internet can visit their nearest Virgin Money store and pick up an O2 sim card with 20GB of free data. This is enough for around 220 hours of internet browsing every month. The free data allowance renews every month and lasts for 6 months.

PDSA

You may be entitled to help form the PDSA for your pet. You can access the PDSA Eligibility checker.

You can sign up to My Revenue and Benefits Account for your benefit claim information to provide proof you are in receipt of Housing Benefit for PDSA.

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you can use your Universal Credit Journal.

Council Tax

If you need assistance with paying your Council Tax, you may be entitled to a Reduction, Discount or Exemption to help reduce your bill. We can help you identify financial help which may be available to you based on your current circumstances.