Cost of living support

Contents

Money and debt

Check if you can get financial support

You might be able to get extra money to help with living costs if you:

  • have a low income
  • care for someone who gets benefits
  • are over State Pension age

Use the free benefits calculator

Pension Credit

If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, you could get extra money to help with living costs — even if you have savings or own your home.

Check if you can get Pension Credit

Help with mortgage payments

If you're struggling with your mortgage, your lender may be able to help.

The Mortgage Charter offers support in six ways:

  • Contact your lender for help without affecting your credit score
  • Switch to interest-only payments for 6 months (if you're up-to-date)
  • Lock in a new deal 6 months before your fixed rate ends
  • Switch to a new mortgage deal (if you're up-to-date)
  • Get tailored support if you're struggling
  • Your home can't be repossessed within 12 months of a missed payment

Find out if your lender has signed the Mortgage Charter

Carer’s Allowance

You could get £76.75 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

You don’t need to live with or be related to the person you care for.

Check if you can get Carer’s Allowance

Cost of Living Payments

You may get up to 5 payments if you receive certain benefits or tax credits.

You don’t need to apply — payments are automatic.

Ignore texts asking you to apply for cost of living help. If you're eligible, you'll be paid automatically.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

If you get disability benefits, you’ll receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs.

This is in addition to the £650 payment for disabled people who also get means-tested benefits.

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

You could get between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills in winter.

From November 2023, pensioners will also get an extra £150 or £300 as a top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.

You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much you’ll receive.

Cheaper broadband and phone bills

If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other benefits, you may be able to get a social tariff — a cheaper broadband or phone package.

Protect yourself from scams

Scammers may try to take advantage of the cost of living crisis.

Tips to stay safe:

  • Don’t share personal or bank details with suspicious contacts
  • Check email addresses — Ofgem emails always end in @ofgem.gov.uk
  • Look for official branding
  • Don’t let anyone rush or pressure you

Three-step scam check:

  • Asked to pay an upfront fee? It could be a scam
  • Asked to pay quickly? It could be a scam
  • Asked to pay in an unusual way? It could be a scam

Visit the Take Five website to learn more

For local advice, visit Staffordshire Trading Standards.

Budgeting support

Free budget planner

Use the free Money Helper budget planner to track your spending and manage your money.

Improve your maths skills

Join a free course on budgeting and money management through the Staffordshire Community Learning Service

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund has been extended until 31 March 2026. It helps with essential costs like food and utilities.

You need to be referred by an approved organisation.

Help with debt

If you're struggling with bills or debt, get free advice from:

Don’t wait — getting help early can make a big difference.