Grants to help you with the increased cost of living

Grants to help you with increased cost of living

The government, local councils, and energy companies are still coming up with more financial ways to support us all through the cost of living crisis.

We now know that energy prices will be capped at £2,500 from October. This applies to typical households using 12,000kWh gas and 2,900 kWh electricity per year.

Here are some examples of further help you can tap into to help you cope with the rising cost of living.

Support with energy costs

The promised £400 grant will start to come off your bills as small reductions of £66 in October and November and £67 between December and March. If you are on a prepayment meter, you will receive this money as a voucher in the post.

British Gas Trust is offering advice to struggling households about meeting their energy bills and also offering grants to households of up to £1,500 to help with the payment of energy bills. They have a checklist to see if you qualify at British Gas Energy Trust

Local council support

You can find out what financial support is available to you in your local community by visiting your local authority website or Citizens Advice.

There was also a rebate for council tax of £150 which was paid as an adjustment on household council tax bills for those who pay by direct debits or a cheque in the post. If you didn’t receive this, please check with your local council.

Other Government support

Cost of living payments were also made in two instalments for anyone on benefits including disability allowance. One payment of £362 was made in July and another of £324 is to be made this October. Please keep an eye out for this extra payment.

Struggling to meet your rent payments and energy bills?

If you are struggling with paying your rent please get in touch with our Rent Assist team on 0300 365 3100 or speak to your Neighbourhood Team.

If you’re struggling with paying your energy bills please don’t just stop paying, but speak to your energy supplier to work out a payment plan that suits your budget.

You can also seek advice and financial help through turn2us which helps people in financial crisis access available welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other support.

You can also get independent advice from:

Citizens Advice Bureau

National Debt Helpline.