Help with rising costs

What the Autumn Statement means for you and the cost of living – Link to BBC website

The rising cost of living is having a devastating impact on many households up and down the country. In this article, we have researched ways in which you can help stem the flow of cash and make your money stretch further.

Government Help for Households

See what cost of living support residents could be eligible for including income support, help with energy bills, childcare costs, transport costs, housing support, finding work and discounts and offers – more info

Overall government support for the cost of living: factsheet

Household Support Fund (HSF) – For your clients and members in Slough

The Household Support Fund (HSF) grant has been extended again to support those most in need. It’s available from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The grant helps families and vulnerable individuals who struggle to pay for basic living costs, such as:

food
energy
water bills
essential goods.

The grant is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). We are required to award all the funds by 31 March 2023 so it’s vital people get applications in by this date.

Please share the details with anyone you know that would fit the eligibility criteria and would benefit from this support.

Claim forms and more details about the Household Support Fund and discretionary schemes are on the SBC website.

Council tax rebate

Most households in England will receive a £150 council tax rebate. The council tax rebate will apply from April to homes in council tax bands A to D, benefiting about 80% of households. It will be made directly by local authorities and will not need to be repaid. More info

Check your eligibility for the single person discount on council tax

If you are single, check your eligibility for a discount on your council tax – more info

Discretionary housing payments – from Slough Borough Council

How to apply for council tax support – from Slough Borough Council

The Energy Price Guarantee will ensure that a typical household in Great Britain pays an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill, from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2023. Find out more

Sustainable Warmth – For households

Grant funding is available under the Sustainable Warmth scheme for households that have a gross annual income of less than £30,000 or are in receipt of an eligible benefit. Your home must also have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G. More info

What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills – from MoneySavingExpert.com

Talk to your supplier as early as possible – they have to help if you’re struggling
On prepay and struggling to pay? Your supplier must help as well.
Most energy suppliers offer hardship funds if you’re in debt
A £400 grant for all domestic energy customers which will appear as a credit from energy suppliers from October 2022 onwards, known as the Energy Bill Support Scheme
Warm Home Discount extended until at least 2025/26 and reopens in November 2022 – more info
Over 3 million low income and vulnerable households will receive a rebate of £150 off their energy bills each winter from 2022/23.
If you were born on or before 25th September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. The amount you’ll get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits – more info
Older people and those on certain benefits could get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1st November and 31st March if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days – more info
Where to go for free one-on-one energy and debt advice
You could get up to 60 days’ respite from debts with the breathing space scheme
You can pay energy bills direct from your benefits to help with budgeting
Check if you can get free insulation or boiler grants to make your home more energy efficient
See if you’re eligible to join the Priority Services Register
Make sure you only pay for the energy you use – do regular meter readings
Pay by monthly direct debit if you can – it can be £90+/year cheaper
Using less energy is a simple way to save on bills

Make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills – from the Energy Saving Trust

Heating your home – more info
Reducing home heat loss – more info
Generating renewable energy – more info
Buying energy efficient products – more info

Find energy grants for your home

Find a Food Bank

Food banks are grassroots, community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life. Find more info about Slough Food Bank

For food banks outside Slough, visit The Trussell Trust website to locate your nearest food bank.

Changing your water bill to a meter

You can achieve a significant reduction in your water bill, by changing from a set fee to a water meter – more info from Thames Water

10-minute benefits check – from MoneySavingExpert.com

It’s a common misconception that benefits are only available if you’re out of work – but even some families with an income of £50,000 or more can qualify for help. With the cost of living rising, it’s more important than ever to know what you’re entitled to. Make sure you’re not missing out – this 10-minute calculator will show you what you might qualify for and how much you could get – more info

How to manage your money – Budget Planner from MoneySavingExpert.com

Other money saving tips:

Turn appliances off when not in use
Keep the same phone and switch to sim-only when your contract is up
You don’t need to pay a TV license if you don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer
If you need 2 or more prescriptions a month you can apply for a prepayment certificate to save at least £10 a month – more info

Other initiatives across Slough

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