Are you counting up the cost of Christmas?

The increasing cost of living means it’s essential that you’re in control of your money and receiving every penny you’re entitled to. Remember, you’re not the only one struggling at this time and there is help and support available.

Maximise your income

It’s important to check you are claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to, especially if your income has changed.

The government has provided additional funding to local councils to help support those most in need through the Household Support Fund (HSF). If you are on a low income you may be able to make an application. Applications are checked for eligibility and are limited to one per household. The Southampton Household Support Fund will reopen mid-January 2022 – keep an eye on our HSF webpage for more details.

How to save money on household bills

There is lots of support available if you're struggling to pay your energy bills including the government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme which offers eligible households £400 off energy bills this winter and the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which could get you £150 off of your electricity bill. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. If you’re a low income household you could receive a discount of between 45% and 90% thanks to Southern Water’s Essential Tariff and don’t forget to check social tariffs which offer long term, low cost broadband contracts if you’re on benefits.

Work out a budget

This is the first step to taking control of your finances. Setting up a budget means you are less likely to end up in debt or get caught out by unexpected costs. Use an online budget planner or download the personal budget sheet to help track your income such as salary or benefits and list everything you spend your money on. Then you can work out what you can afford and where you need to economise.

Save for the unexpected

It’s a good idea to include money on your budget planner to save for unexpected expenses such as repairing or replacing kitchen appliances, car repairs, birthdays, children’s pocket money and school trips. This means you’ll be able to cope with these events without having to miss payments on other things, especially your rent. Check out the Help to Save Account and other savings accounts.

Help is available

Find lots of useful information on our Getting help with the cost of living webpages, from making sure you’re getting the right benefits to what to do if you can’t pay your bills or afford to buy food.

Our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team is always here to help with money worries. The team offers free confidential advice just get in touch for a confidential chat or call 023 8083 2339.