This guide can help you find support to help you tacklethe cost-of-living crisis. You may be able to receive support from welfare benefits, charitable grants or other types of government support.  

What help can you get from benefits

Make sure you’re getting all the benefits you should be. It’s estimated that at least seven million people aren’t claiming the benefits they should be, and any extra income will help you pay for essential items.

There are lots of different types of benefits. Each benefit has its own set of rules. What you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances. It can be affected by things such as your age, household income, savings, National Insurance contribution (NIC) record and whether you are able to work.

We have listed some of the main benefits below. If you click on the relevant benefit you’ll find more information about the benefit, the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

You can do a free personalised benefits check with Turn2us in less than 10 minutes. Millions of people already have, so don’t miss out: go to Turn2us and see what you could get.

Out of work and low income

• Universal Credit is now the main benefit for people who are out of work or are on a low income. Depending on your situation, Universal Credit can also help with housing costs, the costs of raising a child and childcare costs.
• If you are looking for work, you may be able to claim New Style Jobseekers’ Allowance.
• If you have a low income or receive benefits, you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.

Children

If you have children from a former relationship, check you are getting the correct amount of child maintenance. You can find advice and arrange child maintenance on the GOV.UK website. If you are unable to use the website, you can speak to a Child Maintenance Service case worker on 0800 171 2345.

• If eligible, Universal Credit can help with the costs of raising a child and childcare.
• Most people with children can also claim Child Benefit.
• You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance if you need to take time off work to have a baby.
• A sure start Maternity Grant is £500 that can help with the costs of having a child if you receive certain benefits.

Ill or disabled

• Personal Independence Payments can help people aged over 16 with the costs of a long-term health condition or disability.
• If you are employed but too ill to work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance can help people who do not receive Statutory Sick Pay but have limited capability to work due to illness or disability. It can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
• If you look after someone who is ill or disabled for at least 35 hours per week, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.

People over pension age

• You may be able to claim Pension Credit if you are over state pension age and are on a low income.
• If you are eligible for Pension Credit you will also receive a free TV Licence.

Housing cost support

Help with your rent costs

If you are eligible for Universal Credit, depending on your situation, there is a housing element which can help with your rent.

There are limited circumstances where you can’t get Universal Credit to help with housing costs, in these cases you may be able to claim Housing Benefit. The gov.uk website covers Universal Credit housing element and Housing Benefit in more detail. 

Help with your mortgage costs

If you receive certain benefits and own a property, you may be able to claim Support for Mortgage Interest to help you with your mortgage costs.

To be eligible you’ll need to claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit.  

The gov.uk website has more details about eligibility and the amount of help you may be able to get. 

Help from charitable grants

Lots of organisations have set up charitable funds that give grants if you are in financial difficulty. This is money that could help make your situation easier to manage and you do not need to pay it back.

Each organisation has its own rules for who it will help. These vary and could, for example, be based on:

• where you live;
• you, or your partner’s, current or previous job;
• whether you have any medical needs; or
• your financial situation.

Turn2us can search over 1,600 charitable grants for you. Use the Turn2us Grants Search tool to find charitable organisations that might be able to help you. Go to https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk. It takes less than five minutes on average.

See our Help from charitable organisations guide for more information along with tips on applying for a grant.

Energy and water grants

Several energy and water providers have charitable grants that can help people to pay their bills if they are in financial difficulty. Details of any grants will be on your energy supplier’s website. You can also find water and energy grants through the Turn2us grants search.

Other charitable help

Can I get help with food costs

Trussell Trust food banks can give you a minimum of three days’ food in an emergency. You will need to obtain a voucher first. You can get vouchers from various places such as a doctor or health visitor. Some Jobcentres, councils and local Citizens Advice also provide vouchers. You can contact your local Trussell Trust food bank to find a full list of who gives out vouchers locally. For information about your nearest food bank go to the Trussell Trust website or contact us for advice. 

Our Making the most of your money guide has more information on other help you can get with food costs. 

What help can I get from government support

There are other support schemes which were already in place that may help you with paying for some of your essential items. We’ve detailed these below. If you find yourself struggling to pay your bills, buy food or need to purchase an essential item you should speak to your local council to see what help they can provide.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (England only)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund allows councils to provide help to vulnerable households.  The fund may be able to help with arrears on essential bills such as rent, energy or council tax. It can also help if you are struggling to buy food or other essential items. Contact your local council to check if you may be eligible for support from the fund.

Welfare assistance schemes

In England, some councils have a welfare assistance scheme which can help if you are in an emergency situation. Individual councils decide on the rules for their scheme. Contact your local council to see whether they run a welfare assistance scheme and what it offers.

The government in Wales has made £25 million available to local authorities to provide support to households struggling with the rising costs of living. This discretionary fund may be able to help you with heating costs. Contact your local council for details of their scheme and how to apply.

Help with NHS prescription and health costs

You will be entitled to free prescriptions if you’re; 

• aged 60 or over; or 

• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. 

You may get free prescriptions if you receive Universal Credit, it will depend on total take-home pay in your last assessment. 

If you aren’t entitled to free prescriptions but are on a low income, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The scheme can help with prescriptions, dental costs, eye care costs and more. The NHS will assess your weekly income and weekly needs to check your eligibility. You can find out more on the NHS Business Services Authority website.  

FAQ’s

How do I find out what benefits I’m entitled to? 

The benefits you are entitled to will depend on your circumstances. Turn2us has a benefits calculator that will help you work out what you may be able to claim and how to make a claim.  

Can I claim Universal Credit if I’m working? 

You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you are working and have a low income. The amount you are able to earn from your work will vary depending on your circumstances. Turn2us has a benefits calculator that will help you work out if you may be able to claim Universal Credit. 

Can I get emergency financial help if I’m in crisis?  

You may get emergency financial help through your local authority. The Crisis and Resilience fund and Welfare assistance schemes can help with a crisis such as being unable to buy food, energy or pay an essential bill. 

Can my energy supplier help me if I can’t pay my bills? 

If you are on a low income and struggling to pay your energy bill, your energy provider may be able to help you. Check with your energy provider about any trust funds or other support they may have.