Cost of Living – Links to sources of help
- The Trussell Trust – this charity operates a network of foodbanks and provides confidential crisis support. The school can provide food vouchers for eligible parents to be exchanged for a minimum of three days’ emergency food. Available at local centres, by telephone (0808 208 2138) and online at trusselltrust.org/get-help.
- Food Aid Network – in addition to Trussell Trust foodbanks, independent foodbanks may also be available near you. You can check a map for local support at https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/our-members.
- Citizens Advice – an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice on legal, debt, benefit and housing problems. Available at local advice centres, by telephone (0808 223 1133) and online at citizensadvice.org.uk.
- Turn2Us – a charity helping people living in poverty in the UK, specialising in information on welfare benefits and charitable grants. Available by telephone (0800 802 2000) and online at turn2us.org.uk.
- StepChange – the UK’s leading debt charity offering expert debt advice and free debt management. Available by telephone (0800 138 1111) and online at stepchange.org.
- Money and Pensions Service – a government service providing impartial and free guidance on money and pensions. Available by telephone (0800 138 7777) and online at moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk.
- MoneySavingExpert – a consumer finance and discussion website focussed on providing advice and tips on how to save money, including a dedicated cost of living crisis section. Available online only at moneysavingexpert.com.
- Migrant Families – online tool available that will help you find out what support you may be eligible for as a migrant family. Available at migrantfamilies.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/. This forms part of the NRPF Network, available online at https://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/ and through regional networks.
- British Gas Energy Trust – a charitable trust providing advice on energy bills and grants paid directly to energy suppliers to help clear debts. Available online only at britishgas.co.uk/energy/British-gas-energy-trust.html.
- Ofcom – Ofcom has a list of available social tariffs; these are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people who claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Available online at ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs.
- CCWater – the Consumer Council for Water is a statutory consumer body for the water industry in England. They have an advice hub with information and tools to help reduce water bills and access financial schemes: ccwater.org.uk/households/help-with-my-bills/. (Every water company should have a social tariff scheme to help low-income families – check with your provider for more information.)
- Freecycle – a grassroots and non-profit organisation that allows people to claim household items for free. Available online at freecycle.org.
- Family Fund (parents of disabled or seriously ill children only) – this charity provides families raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child on low incomes with wide-ranging grants for essential items, such as kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding and play equipment or technology. Available online at familyfund.org.uk/grants.
- Fuel voucher – if you use a prepayment meter and cannot afford to top it up, you may be able to obtain a fuel voucher. Contact your local council for help getting one.
- Energy debt grants – a number of energy suppliers offer grants to customers in need. Check with your supplier’s website or contact them directly for more information.
- Universal Credit – a monthly government payment to help with living costs for those on a low income. Available to apply online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit or by telephone (0800 328 5644).
- Short Term Benefit Advance – those in urgent financial need may be able to get an advance on benefit payments, which is paid back later through benefits without interest. Find out more at gov.uk/short-term-benefit-advance.
- Cost of living payments – a government support package to help mitigate the cost of living crisis. Factsheet available online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-support-for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet/government-support-for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet. Payments are made automatically to those who are eligible so there is no need to apply – if you think you are eligible but did not receive a payment, make a report online at secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome.
- ACORN – a community union that can provide support and advice for those who rent on housing issues and tenants’ rights. Get in touch online www.acorntheunion.org.uk/contact.
- Council Tax reduction – low-income households might be able to get a council tax reduction. See if you might be eligible online at www.gov.uk/council-tax/who-has-to-pay and contact your local council for more information.
- Shelter – Housing charity that runs local services. You can access their emergency helpline (0808 800 4444) and find advice online at england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice.
