Where can I get support with the cost of living crisis?
You’ve probably heard lots on the news about the costs of living crisis. As we enter April, we’re facing rising household bills, rising food prices and more.
But what can you do if you’re struggling to make ends meet? Here’s what you need to know…
£150 council tax rebate
If you pay council tax and live in council tax bands A to D, this month you’ll get a £150 rebate to help pay for energy costs. If you pay by direct debit, this will be paid automatically into your bank account. If you don’t pay by direct debit, your council will be in touch with you.
Grants to help you pay off your energy debts
If you’re in debt with your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay off those debts. If your supplier doesn’t offer grants, you might be able to get one from the British Gas energy trust. You can find out more on our website.
Agreeing a payment plan with your energy supplier
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills you should tell your supplier that you want to pay through a payment plan which will cover what you owe plus an amount for your current use.
You’ll pay fixed amounts over a set period of time, so you can pay what you can afford. Your supplier has to take into account how much you can afford to pay and how much energy you’ll use in the future.
Benefits calculator
It’s worth checking that you’re getting all of the benefits that you’re entitled to. Use a benefits calculator to check if there’s anything else that you can get. You should also check if you can get a council tax reduction or discount.
Help from your local council or a local charity
Your local council might be able to give you vouchers or a prepaid card to help pay for essentials like food or fuel. You could also get household appliances like a fridge.
Each council runs its own scheme so what you can get depends on where you live. Contact your local council to check if they run one of these schemes.
Check you’re being paid the right wage
The minimum wage will increase on 1 April 2022 so you should make sure that you’re being paid the right amount.
Aged 23 and over — £9.50
Aged 21 to 22 — £9.18
Aged 18 to 20 — £6.83
Under 18 — £4.81
An apprentice — £4.81
If you’re not being paid minimum wage you should be speak to your employer in the first instance. If that doesn’t work or you don’t feel comfortable doing so, speak to your local Citizens Advice service.
Making a budget
If you want to make a budget, here’s 3 steps.
- Write down all your earnings after tax, any money from benefits or any other income you may have
- Write down all your outgoings. This includes existing debts, regular payments and other expenses
- Use a budgeting tool to work out your budget
Before you start, have your bank statements or banking app to hand. You could also keep a spending diary to keep track of your spending ahead of completing a budget.
Help with school costs
If you’re on a low income or claim Universal Credit, you might be able to get free school meals. You can apply for free school meals on gov.uk.
You might also be able to get help from your local education authority with some costs such as uniforms.
Using a foodbank
You’ll normally need to get referred to a foodbank. Your local Citizens Advice can help with this or another organisation that’s supporting you can also refer.They’ll give you a voucher and tell you where the foodbank is. At the foodbank, you’ll get a food parcel.
If you need us, we’re here. Check out our website for advice on a whole range of issues. You can also contact us in a number of ways.
