We’re all concerned about the cost of living rise. Find out what help may be available to you through benefits, grants and other sources of support.
Step One: Maximise your income
Benefits
You may be entitled to benefits, depending on your situation.
To check what benefits you might be entitled to quickly and easily, you can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator.
The Benefits Calculator mainly calculates means-tested benefits. Depending on your circumstances, there might be extra benefits you can claim.
Depending on your situation, you may find the following information pages helpful:
Charitable grants
Help may be available to you through a charitable grant and other help, depending on your background, circumstances and needs. To find out what help may be available from grant-giving charities, you can use the Turn2us Grants Search
Money from local councils (England, Scotland, Wales)
Help may be available through your local council, such as local welfare assistance schemes, depending on your circumstances and where you live in the UK.
Councils in England, Scotland and Wales have also been given money to provide £150 to all Council Tax payers in bands A-D. People who pay Council Tax by direct debit will get this automatically. Otherwise, you may need to apply. Keep an eye on your council’s website to check for updates (see council finder link in the first paragraph of this section).
Step two: Managing your budget
Draw up a budget
The government-backed Money Helper website, produced by the Money and Pensions Service, provides information on a wide range of financial subjects, including:
- A free budget planner tool
- A guide to Managing Your Money in Uncertain Times
- Bill Prioritiser Tool
You can also contact them for money guidance that’s impartial and free to use, whether that’s online or over the phone. See the Money Helper: Money Guidance page for details.
Money Saving Expert
Money Saving Expert is a website with articles and tips for saving and managing your money, including:
Quaker Social Action Made of Money
Quaker Social Action Made of Money service promotes financial well being through resources and training to help people on low incomes manage money better.
Debt
If you’re struggling to keep up with debt or paying a lot in interest, it is important to get free, confidential, and responsible debt advice.
Water bills
Water companies have schemes to help people who are struggling to pay their water bill or who have fallen behind on their water bill.
Energy Bills
Energy companies have schemes to help people who are struggling to afford their bills.
Energy Saving Trust provides information on help to improve the energy efficiency of your home and so cut your bills.
Help with phone, TV and Internet bills
There are discounted tariffs available for people on low incomes.
The Citizens Advice website has an If you’re struggling to pay your mobile, phone, internet or TV bill guide(This links to the information for England. If you live in Wales or Scotland, choose your country from the drop down menu under the title of the page.)
Food
Read the I don’t have enough to eat section of our Emergency Information guide for details of food banks and how to access them.
Health costs
Some people can get free or discounted prescriptions, help with travel to medical appointments, and help with the cost of dental services. See our Help with Health Costs guide for more information.
Extra help for disabled people
Getting a disability benefit can give entitlement to a range of schemes to help with the additional costs of living with a disability.
Household items
The Reuse Network
The Reuse Network is a national charity that works with reuse centres that stock high-quality, affordable household items including furniture, electrical appliances, IT equipment and more.
Are you looking for somewhere you can find affordable household items, find a reuse centre near you
Advice and Support
Turn2us is unable to offer advice on individual situations. To find an adviser in your area to discuss your situation with, you can use the Turn2us Find an Adviser
Turn 2 Us Emergency Information Guide
You might find yourself caught short of money and need help with essentials like food or paying your bills. Please look at the range of support options discussed in this guide.