Surviving the cost of living crisis – financial help available

Here is our guide to some of the schemes that you may be able to benefit from and advice on how to make your money go further:

Energy Bills Support Scheme

In addition to the £150 Council Tax Rebate you should have received earlier this year, the government recently announced an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme by offering you £400 off your energy bills this winter. If you have a domestic electricity meter and pay by Direct Debit or credit you will receive a £400 credit to your account this autumn. If you have a pre-payment meter, the money will be applied to your meter or paid via a voucher.

£650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for those on means tested benefits

You may be in line to get a payment of £650 if you receive means-tested benefits. The payment will be made in two lump sums: the first from July, the second in the autumn. This payment will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on your existing benefit awards.

One-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Those who are over State Pension age and receive the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an extra £300 this year to help cover the rising cost of energy this winter. This payment will be made directly to you in November or December and is on top of any other support you are entitled to such as pension credit or disability benefits.

£150 Disability Cost of Living Payment

If you receive the following disability benefits you may be in line for a one-off payment of £150 in September:

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

Check you’re receiving all the benefits you are entitled to

Millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed every year, so it really is worth checking if you are entitled to receive any extra money. Find out more at the Government online benefit calculator or look at the Entitled To website.

If you are 66 or over, check to see if you can claim Pension Credit which can be worth £1,000s a year, and is a gateway for you to receive council tax discounts, free TV licences for over-75s and more. 

Are you paying too much for your bills?

If you’re out of contract for your phone or broadband, simply compare prices on a comparison website and you could instantly save yourself a lot of money. Don’t forget to check social tariffs which offer long term, low cost contracts if you’re on benefits.

Cancel all subscriptions you no longer use

Check you’re not wasting money on things you signed up for but no longer use or need such as magazine subscriptions, gym memberships or equipment hire. Go through your direct debits and standing orders and decide if you still want the goods or service and then check to see if you can do it cheaper. If you no longer need it and you're out of contract, simply cancel.

Energy grants

For advice and support on how to keep warm, save money and go green contact Southampton Environment Centre.

For lots more useful ideas on how to make your money work harder in these difficult times, check out The Cost Of Living Survival Kit compiled by Money Saving Expert. Meanwhile, for personal, confidential money and debt advice email our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team or call on 023 8083 2339.