Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it’s important to know what help and support is available now – that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour.
Here are 18 practical actions that could help you or someone you know.
The Government announced additional support (26 May) that will provide further funding for some of these measures. This Government guidance explains how and when people in receipt of certain benefits or tax credits will receive an extra payment to help with living costs.
From 1 October 2022, a new Energy Price Guarantee, introduced by the Government, will mean a typical UK household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This is automatic and applies to all households.
An estimated £15bn of benefits are believed to go unclaimed each year
The benefits system can be complicated, but Citizens Advice have advisers available to help - call 0808 278 7813 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday)
If you are turned down for a benefit, seek advice on whether to challenge the decision. Many benefit decisions are overturned, and organisations like Citizens Advice can offer advice about challenges.
If your benefit award is partially successful, seek advice before challenging as this can lead to awards being reduced as well as increasing or staying the same
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who have reached State Pension age, and live in Great Britain.
The average Pension Credit payment is over £65 per week – equating to more than an extra £3,000 per year.
Around a third of eligible pensioners don’t claim Pension Credit – often because they don't know they can or that they need to.
An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills and, for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence
People who have an income or savings may still qualify for Pension Credit
If you are entitled you might also be able to get additional amounts within Pension Credit. For example, if you receive other benefits for a disability or caring responsibilities
The benefits system can be complicated but Citizens Advice have advisers available to help - call 0808 278 7813 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday).
Whether you have toddlers or teens, check the Government’s Childcare Choices website to find out how you can save money on your childcare
Over one million families are missing out on up to £2,000 a year per child – or £4,000 if their child is disabled – to put towards the cost of childcare
Tax-Free Childcare is available for children aged up to 11, or 17 if the child has a disability. The money can help towards the cost of holiday clubs, before and after-school clubs, childminders and nurseries, and other approved childcare schemes.
The government contributes 20% of childcare costs by topping up a Tax-Free Childcare account. For every £8 you pay into an account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year.
If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn't cover all your rent, check to see if you can make a claim for a discretionary housing payment.
Swindon residents of working age who claim means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), may be eligible to apply for Council Tax Support
This could pay up to 80% of your Council Tax bill or 100% if you receive certain disability benefits. If you’re on a low income and over state retirement age, you could also be eligible for 100% support.
Certain people living in a property are not included when Council Tax is calculated. That includes carers who meet criteria (and are not caring for a spouse, partner or child under 18). You can ask for these people to be "disregarded", which may result in a discount being applied to your account
Check if you or your family may be entitled to benefits for those experiencing illness or disability. For example:
The benefits system can be complicated but Citizens Advice have advisers available to help - call 0808 278 7813 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday)
If you are turned down for a benefit, seek advice on whether to challenge the decision. Many benefit decisions are overturned, and organisations like Citizens Advice can offer advice about challenges. If your benefit award is partially successful, seek advice before challenging as this can lead to awards being reduced as well as increasing or staying the same.
If you are a carer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance and/or an extra amount called the ‘carer element’ within Universal Credit
This could mean £69.70 a week in Carer's Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets the criteria
Carers who meet criteria (and are not caring for a spouse, partner or child) are not counted as living in a property for the purposes of calculating Council Tax. If you’re eligible, you can ask to be "disregarded" which may result in a discount being applied to your account.
Contact your energy supplier as soon as you can if you’re worried about paying your energy bills, are in debt to your supplier or can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter
Your supplier must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed before.
Get free and impartial energy saving advice from Warm & Safe Wiltshire (0800 038 5722) to help manage energy costs and keep your home warm. This includes free home visits to eligible residents to help lower your bills and keep your home warm.
Check if you’re eligible for the Priority Services Register - a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. You need to contact your energy supplier or network operator to get on it.
From 1st October 2022, a new Energy Price Guarantee will mean a typical UK household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This is automatic and applies to all households.
All domestic electricity customers in Great Britain will receive a £400 reduction in their electricity costs from October 2022. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.
If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to apply to them for a non-repayable hardship grant to help pay it off.
Find out whether you qualify and how to apply in this supplier-by-supplier analysis (provided by Money Saving Expert).
If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, you might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Families Fund (0121 348 7797) which offers grants of up to £1,500. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.
Contact Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7813 for help before applying for a grant. If you get advice, this will help your chances of a successful grant application.
Call Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7813 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday), if you’re struggling to afford enough food, to discuss options, based on your circumstances, which could include a referral to the food bank in Swindon
If you're at least ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, you might be able to get free vitamins and Healthy Start (0300 330 7010) vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk
If you are eligible, you can apply online, call 0300 330 7010 (8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday) or email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Check if your child is eligible for free holiday provision through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme running in the summer and Christmas holidays
Households earning below £16,480 can apply for a 50% discount on their water bill through Thames Water’s WaterHelp scheme or call their Extra Care Services Team on 0800 009 3652
The council's Emergency Assistance Fund provides emergency assistance to Swindon residents who most need it
Details of a discretionary scheme are now available. This is to help households that are not eligible for the £150 payment, paid to Council Tax payers in Bands A to D to help with energy bills.
Households will not need to apply for the scheme and, in most cases, the Government expects electricity suppliers to apply the reduction automatically to bills from October 2022.