Financial support when you need it
If you’re finding it hard to manage your finances or you’re unsure what benefits or support you may be entitled to, our Money Matters page is here to help. Money worries can be stressful, and no one should have to deal with them alone.
Here you’ll find practical guidance on budgeting, benefits and wider financial support, along with information about services that can make day‑to‑day costs more manageable.
Our Money Matters team is dedicated to helping you get the maximum support available. We can:
- Check your benefit eligibility and ensure you’re receiving the correct amount
- Help reduce your bills, including water and internet
- Support you with benefit applications, reviews and tribunal processes
- Provide budgeting advice
- Connect you with local food banks
We stay up to date with changes to the benefits system and look out for local grants and programmes that could make a real difference.
You don’t have to face financial challenges alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Alternatively, fill in this form and someone from our Money Matters team will be in touch within five working days.
Local authority support
If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction or other support paying your council tax bill.
Find out more on the gov.uk website
You'll be asked for your postcode and directed to the relevant page on your local authority’s website.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs.
They’re issued through your local council. Each council decides how their application process will work.
They are a top-up to Housing Benefit or the Housing Element within your Universal Credit award, and are available if the Council considers that someone needs extra help with their housing costs.
Contact your local council for more information.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) provides financial support to help vulnerable households who can't pay for food or energy and have no other access to funds.
The fund is distributed by your local authority. Each council has their own fund and eligibility criteria:
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit (UC) is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
It’s a means-tested benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is a monthly payment for people of working-age that is gradually replacing the following legacy benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- and Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit which have already ended.
Additional household support
If you’re finding it hard to manage energy, water, broadband or other essential household costs, there is help available. Your options will depend on your circumstances, but many organisations offer financial support, payment plans or free advice.
If you're finding it hard to pay your gas or electricity bills, contact your energy supplier first. Under Ofgem rules, they must work with you to agree an affordable payment plan.
You may also be able to get national or local grants, discounts or specialist support. Below, we’ve grouped the most common options to help you find what you need quickly.
Collective energy switching
Big Community Switch is a free service that helps you save money by joining a large group of households to secure competitive energy offers. It’s free and open to anyone in the UK.
Find out more on the Big Community Switch website
Cold weather and Winter Fuel payments
If you receive certain benefits and the temperature in your area stays at zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row, you may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment.
Find out more about the cold weather payment
If you were born before 23 September 1959, you could receive between £100 and £300 to help with your heating costs for winter 2025 to 2026. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and whether you receive certain benefits.
Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment
Support with energy debt
If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you may be able to access grants to help clear what you owe.
British Gas Energy Trust – open to anyone
The Trust offers grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
Find out more about the British Gas Energy Trust
Other supplier grants
Many energy companies also offer customer grants. Citizens Advice provides an up‑to‑date list of available funds and support schemes.
Find out more about other grants
Warm and Safe Homes advice
National Energy Action’s Warm and Safe Homes service provides free, impartial advice to help you stay warm and manage your energy bills more affordably.
Find out more about Warm and Safe Homes
Disability energy support
If you or someone you care for is disabled and worried about energy or water costs, Scope offers free specialist and tailored advice.
Warm Home Discount
If you receive Pension Credit or live in a low‑income household, you may be eligible for a £150 discount on your energy bill. Not all suppliers take part, so check whether yours is included.
Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme
Support with broadband and phone costs
Many broadband and phone providers offer social tariffs for customers on a low income. Social tariffs are lower‑cost packages available to people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits. They work in the same way as standard packages but at a reduced price.
Find out more about social tariffs
Support with water bills
Severn Trent
If you’re a Severn Trent customer, you may be able to save up to £390 a year on your water bill through the Big Difference Scheme. Eligibility is based on your household income.
Find out more and apply
Support with water bills – Anglian Water
Anglian Water offers a range of support for customers who are struggling to pay, including:
Reduced tariffs (LITE and Extra LITE)
These tariffs are designed for customers with a low disposable income. Depending on your situation, you could receive up to 50% off your water and sewerage charges.
Extra Care Support
This service provides personalised help to manage your payments and stay on top of your bills.
Find out more about support from Anglian Water
Support with TV licence costs
If your household receives Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a free TV licence. You must apply to receive this.
Find out how to apply for a free TV licence
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers free, confidential and impartial guidance on household bills, benefits, debt, consumer rights and more. They can help you understand your options and take the next steps with confidence.
Visit Citizens Advice
National Advice Line: 0800 144 8848 (you'll be put through to a local adviser if one is free)
Debt helpline: 0800 240 4420