Learning to budget and manage your money can help you stay on top of your bills, this is even more important with the rising cost of living. Below, we’ve put together some general tips which we hope may help.
For local support and information around Cost of Living, please check your local council website.
For more information on Government Cost of Living Help visit: Help for Households
Keeping track of how much money you receive and how much you are spending can help take the stress away when it comes to money worries.
It can help you prioritise important things and cut back on others. It’s also useful when planning for the future. A good budget plan can stop you from getting into debt. Please visit MoneyHelper for more information on budgeting, the link is below:
Dealing with money issues can be stressful. You’re not alone in feeling this way, it’s reported that over eight million people in the UK have experienced financial difficulties. We know it can be tough to deal with and may leave you feeling overwhelmed, but there are organisations that can help.
As a starting point, please visit MoneyHelper for more information on how to deal with debt.
Stepchange offer online advice at www.stepchange.org/start, or you can call them on 0113 138 1111 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm.
National Debt Line have a website you can visit www.nationaldebtline.org or phone 0800 808 4000. The National Debtline contact centre is open Monday – Friday from 9am until 8pm, and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm.
Citizen’s Advice, through their network of independent charities, offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. To find your local Citizens Advice please go their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
There are different types of benefits available to families and carers as well as disability benefits, tax credits, job seekers and low income benefits to name just a few.
DHP is designed to provide tenants with additional financial help towards their housing costs. This means it can be paid in addition to any benefits, including any Housing Benefit/Universal Credit that the tenant receives.
DHP is given to cover rent liability and could include someone in a shared ownership property. It can also be given to cover other types of housing costs such as removals. contact your local council for information on how to apply
We can support customers who are struggling to afford their energy bills. Not only can we help customers with emergency fuel payments, but additional guidance and advice can be provided to ensure that all aspects of heating your home are evaluated. We can assist you with a referral to National Energy Action if you are struggling to afford gas and electric. For more information please contact the Great Places’ Financial Resilience team by email: FinancialResilience@greatplaces.org.uk
You can apply for a grant to cover current charges and any arrears visit United Utilities Trust Fund.
United Utilities also run a scheme called WaterSure that gives help to customers who use large amounts of water for essential purposes.
Yorkshire Water Community Trust helps customers who are in genuine need and/or arrears. Visit Yorkshirewater.com to see if you might be eligible for this support.
Severn Trent could help you save money on your water bills. Find out more and check if you might be eligible for support.
