Support with the Cost of Living
Find out what help may be available to you through benefits, grants and other sources of support.
The government has announced additional help with the cost of living through the Household Support Fund, which has been extended until March 2025.
The type of support available to you will depend on where you live, as Household Support Fund schemes are delivered by local councils and the devolved governments. Some schemes offer cash grants to help with food, gas, and electricity, while other might provide things like electric blankets or furniture.
Search your local council to see what support they offer
It is still worth using the steps in this guide to boost your income and cut your outgoings as far as you can. Even with the extra support the government has offered, a lot of households will struggle with bills over the coming year.
If you are in an emergency situation, use our Emergency Information guide to get yourself stable, then come back to this plan.
Your situation
I can't heat my home
This guide covers what you can do if you cannot heat your home.
Struggling with Energy and Water bills
Financial support may be available to you.
Step 1: 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.
Turn2us Benefits Calculator
To check what benefits you might be entitled to quickly and easily, you can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator.
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
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.
Related information
Depending on your situation, you may find the following information pages helpful:
Bringing up a child
If you are bringing up or expecting a child, there may be benefits, grants or other financial support available to you.
Studying (aged 16+)
If you are in higher or further education, find out what help may be available to you through benefits, grants or other financial support.
Disabled, ill or injured
If you are ill, injured or have a disability, there may be benefits, grants or other financial support available to you.
Information for Carers
Read an overview of what financial support you might be able to get if you are a carer.
Step 2: Manage 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:
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:
Free Debt Advice
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 schemes
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 Schemes
Energy companies have schemes to help people who are struggling to afford their bills.
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust provides information on help to improve the energy efficiency of your home and so cut your bills.
Compare how much electrical appliances cost to use
Citizen's Advice has a calculator which shows you how much energy electrical appliances use compared to one another.
Help with phone, TV and Internet bills
There are discounted tariffs available for people on low incomes.
Help with food
If you find yourself caught short of money and need help with essentials like food, read 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.
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.
Help with household items
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. You can find affordable household items at your nearest reuse centre.
Quaker Social Action Made of Money
This service promotes financial wellbeing through resources and training to help people on low incomes manage money better.
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.