Household costs
Cost of Living Payment
Millions of people on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits will receive cost of living payments of up to £900 this financial year 2023-24, paid automatically in three instalments.
The first 2023 payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May, the second payment of £300 was paid between 31 October and 19 November and the third payment of £299 will be paid between 6 and 22 February.
The Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically and separately to benefit payments, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC.
Find out more about Cost of Living Payments
Cheaper phone and broadband
Want to pay less for reliable broadband? If you are in receipt of government benefits, you could be saving money right now on your monthly broadband and mobile bills by accessing cheaper deals called social tariffs.
Check the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff
Mortgage Charter
If you’re struggling with your mortgage rate, you may be able to get help from your mortgage lender.
There are six key ways in which the charter might help you:
- If you’re worried about repayments, you can now contact your lender for help and guidance, without any impact on your credit score.
- If you’re up to date with payments, lenders will let you switch to interest-only payments for six months.
- If you’re approaching the end of a fixed rate deal, you will have the chance to lock in a new deal 6 months ahead.
- If you’re up to date with payments, you can switch to new mortgage deals.
- You can access tailored support from your lender if you’re struggling with payments.
- Homes cannot be repossessed within 12 months of a first missed payment.
Find out if your lender has signed the Mortgage Charter.
Household Support Fund
There is further Government funding for the Household Support Fund which is distributed to English councils, who know their areas best and can offer direct support for those most in need in their region.
Funding is aimed at the most vulnerable and those who cannot pay for things like energy and water bills, food and essential items.
You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council, and if you do get benefits, they will not be affected.
Local authorities can also issue food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Get help with the cost of living from your local council
Budgeting loans
You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for 6 months. This can be used for household items, rent in advance and travelling costs.
Check if you’re eligible for a Budgeting Loan
Help paying your water bill
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills.
Get support paying your water bill
Get help with all or part of your rent
You may get help with all or part of your rent.
There’s no set amount of housing costs support and what you get will depend on whether you rent privately or from a council or housing association.
Use a benefits calculator to find out if you can get benefits to help pay your rent
Universal Credit if you’re unemployed or on low income
If you and/or your partner are responsible for paying rent for the home you live in, or if you have a mortgage, Universal Credit may provide help towards the cost.
Check if you are eligible for Universal Credit
Housing benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are state pension age or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation
Check if you are eligible for Housing Benefit
Support for additional housing costs
You may be able to get support for additional housing costs if you’re already claiming Housing Benefit.
Contact your local Council to find out what support you can get
Council Tax support schemes
Councils run support schemes to help people on low incomes with their Council Tax bill.
Contact your local Council to find out what support is available
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you are on certain benefits you may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments which provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs.
Check if you’re eligible for a discretionary housing payment
Get help with interest payments on mortgages or loans
If you’re a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home.
Check if you’re eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest
95% mortgages for homes up to £600,000
You may be eligible to borrow up to 95% of the cost of a property worth up to £600,000 thanks to the mortgage guarantee scheme.
Contact mortgage providers to see if you’re eligible.
The Money Helper service provides free, confidential and impartial help tailored to individual needs.