Rise in cost of living

Tools and guidelines

If you find yourself struggling, here are some useful links.

• • A change that went into effect this year in April was the rise in National Living Wage and National Living. You can check your pay to ensure you are getting what you are entitled to.
  • The government has made changes to help working families keep more of their money. If you are out of work, cannot work, or are on a low income, you can check if you are eligible for Universal Credit
  • If you are a carer looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week, you could be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance. You don’t have to live with or be related to the person you are caring for.
  • If you are over the State Pension age and on a low income, you might qualify for help with your living costs.
  • If you are struggling to pay your tax bills, you can contact HMRC to see what help might be available to you.
  • If you are receiving Tax Credits, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit, you might be eligible for a cost of living payment.
  • If you are on a disability benefit you might be eligible for a one-off disability payment to help with the cost of living crisis.
  • If you are a pensioner, you might be eligible to receive extra help with your energy bills during the winter months.
  • If you are on certain benefits, you might be able to get an extra £25 a week in winter if the temperature drops to zero or below for more than seven days.
  • The government is also helping people improve the energy efficiency of their homes by offering energy grants that you can use to make your home warmer and cheaper to heat. Some energy suppliers are also providing grants to households struggling with their energy bills. You can check what your supplier is offering.