A range of support is available for household bills and costs. You can find out more about the key ones below.
If you’re on a low income you may be able to get help with paying your rent and Council Tax through your local council.
Certain people are eligible for discounts on their Council Tax, such as people who live alone, people with disabilities, carers and students. Make sure you check if you could be eligible.
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit, but you can still make a new claim if you have reached State Pension age or are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
£400 off household energy bills in Great Britain from this October. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.
There is no need to apply for the scheme and you will not be asked for your bank details.
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Check if you’re eligible for the Disability Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.
This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Check if you’re eligible for the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating and household bills. This winter, they can also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment (GOV.UK).
If you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment. The average temperature in your area would need to be recorded as, or forecast to be, 0OC or below over seven consecutive days. Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments.
Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment (GOV.UK).
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter. The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
The 2021/22 scheme is now closed. The 2022/23 scheme is expected to open in October 2022.
Check with your energy supplier to see if you are eligible
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off.
The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers:
TV licenses are free if you’re aged 74 or over and you or your partner are in receipt of Pension Credit. Find out more about free TV Licensing.
Go back to the main Cost of Living Hub
Billions of pounds in money and benefits go unclaimed every year. Make sure you are claiming everything you might be entitled to and are getting the help you need.
Find out more about 'Action two: Help with money and benefits'Check out this section for information on how to manage your health and care costs including prescription charges, home care and more.
Find out more about 'Action three: Help with health and care costs'Find out about support for energy saving with home energy efficiency, adaptations you can make to your home and help with home improvements.
Find out more about 'Action four: Help with energy saving and home improvements'There is a lot of support available to assist blind and partially sighted people with food costs. Read our guide for tips on the action you can take.
Find out more about 'Action five: Help with food costs'There is help and advice available about getting back into work or looking for a new job from a range of employment support sources.
Find out more about 'Action six: Employment support'
