Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport?
You are not alone; the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us.
You may want help accessing grants and debt advice, support getting all the money you're entitled to, or simply want to know more about the government's recent support measures.
Whatever your money worries may be, we've put together some helpful information in the links below to help you.
General money advice
- Citizens Advice provide a wide variety of help and advice including debt and money. They can give you the information you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice website
- Making Money Count offers everyday help with money, finding work and renting. Reliable and easy to follow information brought to you by organisations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Includes tips and advice on money, bills and debt, check entitlements, shopping deals, budgeting, keeping track of money, energy saving tips. Making Money Count website
- Money Advice Service is a free and impartial money advice service, set up by the government. It includes information on debt, budgeting and benefits. Money Advice Service website
- Turn 2 Us is a national charity to help you when times get tough, providing financial support to get back on track. They have lots of useful information and tools on their website such as a benefits calculator, managing low incomes, grant search and looking for work. Turn 2 Us website.
- Money Helper – Free guidance backed by the HM Government – subjects include benefits, family, money troubles, everyday money, homes, work - including a budget planner
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – a charity providing free debt help, find a job or gain vital life skills, every working day to help you find a practical, lasting solution to debt and poverty. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) website or call (free) 0800 328 0006
- National Pension Advisors advise on what pension you will have to live on when you leave employment or retire for any reason. National Pension Advisors.
Benefits calculator
- A benefits check will tell you if there is more money help with your everyday living and housing costs. Always seek help from a specialist adviser if you are applying for a carer or disability / health related benefit. Entitled To website.
Broadband
- Cheaper broadband and phone packages (Social Tariffs) are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Ofcom website.
Childcare costs
- Up to £2,000 in government funding is available to help with childcare costs. Find out more on the GOV.UK website.
Cost of living payment
- Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year, paid automatically in two instalments. Read more about it on the GOV.UK website.
Early years
- Healthy Start – if you are 10 weeks or more pregnant, have a child under 4 and receive qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk Healthy Start website.
- Tax credits: work out your childcare costs GOV.UK website.
Energy support
- Warm Home Discount – this substantial discount is made direct to your electricity bill for households on a low income. Contact your supplier to find out if they offer and the qualifying criteria and when to apply. Warm Homes Discount Scheme (GOV.UK website).
- National Energy Action (NEA) – UK’s leading fuel poverty charity. National Energy Action website.
- Family Information Service - Practical information to help you manage electricity and gas bills
- Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) - A free energy and money saving advice service.
Food
- Foodbanks can help with short term needs. Find your local foodback.
Grants
- Glasspool Charity Trust is UK-wide charity providing grants support for people experiencing financial hardship Glasspool Charity Trust website.
- ButtleUK - access to Chances for Children grant online – ButtleUK website.
Health
- Healthy Peterborough has lots of information and advice on how to stay well this Winter - Healthy Peterborough website
Help to get online
- Low-cost broadband deals and mobile tariffs - If you’re a low-income family, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband service. Some providers offer reduced social tariffs for households and existing customers claiming government benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support, so they can pay less for internet and telecoms access. The Connecting Cambridgeshire website has links to useful information about how to get reduced broadband and mobile tariffs.
- Free public access Wifi - Connecting Cambridgeshire is expanding CambWifi, its free public access Wifi service, to help people get online, support local businesses and make it easier for everyone to access vital public services. The programme is working with partners to increase free public access Wifi provision in public buildings like libraries, open spaces, market town centres and village halls in rural areas. Find out where you can get online for free by searching on the CambWifi map.
Housing Support
- P3 is a support service if you need support to manage and maintain your accommodation if it is at risk. Those eligible can self-refer online or call on (freephone) 0808 169 8099 or email CPFSS@p3charity.org.
In crisis
- Buttle UK is a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis in the UK: those living in financial hardships and dealing with multiple challenging social issues. Buttle UK website.
- Making Money Count - A crisis can occur for lots of different reasons, Check out the information on various help available to you in your area. Making Money Count (Help in a crisis) website.
Water
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Find out about the various schemes and grants that may be available to help towards the cost of water on the Turn 2 Us website.
- Anglian Water extra care support
Cost of living scams
We urge you to be wary of scammers taking advantage of the cost of living crisis.
- Which? has produced a list of 5 cost of living scams to watch out for
- Money Saving Expert has compiled a similar list
Find out more about scams and how to report them on the scams page on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.
