Cost of Living Support - Financial Inclusion

The price of everyday essentials is going up. You’ve probably noticed it at the supermarket and in your monthly bills. Inflation and interest rate rises mean that your money might not stretch as far as it used to.

Overall, nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK adults have been concerned about a friend, family member or colleague’s mental wellbeing, linked to money worries. 

The most common signs of worry noticed included changes in mood, temperament and trouble sleeping, as well as being anxious or lacking in confidence to contact creditors . 

You can use the MECC approach to look out for these signs and enable people to access help, guidance and advice on mental health, debt and money management. This section has been designed to enable people to take action, this could include claiming extra benefits they may be entitled to in order to increase increase personal and household income.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

I'm here to listen and help. How can I assist you today?

Keep in mind the Cost of Living Crisis – “A lot of people are in a facing financial difficulties, you are not alone.”

Can you briefly describe your current financial situation?

Look out for keywords and problems and use verbal prompts to find out key financial issues:

I suddenly have no money:

(Lost job / benefits stopped / emergency expenses (due to fire, flood, loss of money) / experiencing relationship breakdown / no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

See options 1, 2, 3 and NRFP option 8 only under the Assist section.

I'm waiting on a benefit payment/decision:

(New claim made for benefit / delayed benefits / waiting for benefit decision to be reassessed)

See option 1 under the Assist section.

My money does not stretch far enough:

(Deciding between food and fuel / on low income or zero-hours contract / unsure if you are eligible to claim for benefit / change of circumstances (e.g., bereavement, illness, new baby, reduction in benefit) / unsure how to manage your money/overspending?)

See options 3, 4, 6, 7 under the Assist section.

I have debt:

(Rent, council tax, gas or electricity arrears / payday/high-cost loans or owe friends & family / overdue benefit repayments)

See options 3, 5, and 6 under the Assist section.

I have other problems that are affecting how I manage my money:

(Mental health / domestic abuse / homelessness / addiction / gambling)

See the Other Support section at the bottom of the Assist section.

What are your main sources of income?

Seek information on the individuals employment status, benefits, investments, and any additional financial support they may be receiving.

Look for nuances in their responses, such as employment stability, types of benefits, or other significant income streams. Understanding these details will enable you to provide more targeted assistance and connect them with the appropriate support services.

I'd like to make sure I provide you with the best support possible. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your financial situation?

Encourage the individual to express any details or concerns they feel are important but may not have been covered in previous questions, sharing specific aspects of their financial challenges, goals, or unique circumstances.

Assist

1. Benefits advance and hardship payment

If you have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment you may be able to get an advance. This will have to be paid back. If you have no money because of a sanction, you may be able to claim a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back, but hardship payments of JSA or ESA do not. You should get advice before accessing either of these.

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | GOV.uk | DWP 

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

2. Challenging a decision

You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped, sanctioned or reduced and you believe the decision is wrong. Most decisions need to be challenged within one month, or within 13 months if there are special reasons for delay.

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | GOV.uk 

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

3. Benefit check

A benefit check can ensure you are receiving your maximum entitlement and you can receive help to claim benefits. If you're pregnant or have child under four years old you can also ask the advisor about healthy start vouchers; www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | GOV.uk 

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

4. Budgeting

Advice and support to manage the money you have more effectively.

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | StepChange Debt Charity | National Debtline

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

5. Debt Advice 

Advice and support including financial assessments, solutions, debt recovery options available to creditors, income maximisation, budgeting advice and financial statements.

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | StepChange Debt Charity | National Debtline | Money Helper | Turn2Us | The Trussell Trust

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

6. Energy Advice

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills (or having to choose between food or fuel) you may be able to get support to reduce your bills, apply for a warm home discount, or access other grants. You may also be able to get support in making your home more energy efficient which will reduce your bills.

Please contact your energy supplier to find out what support is available for you. 

Who can help? Your energy provider | Citizens Advice Bureau 

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

7. Discretionary Fund Payments 

You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment via Gov.UK Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Who can help? Gov.UK

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

8. No Recourse to Public Funds Network

The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network offers support for asylum seekers facing financial challenges. The Home Office can provide housing and financial support to a person who has claimed asylum if they do not have accommodation and/ or cannot afford to meet their essential living needs.

Additionally, it provides financial assistance to those with limited means. This support includes a weekly allowance for essential living expenses.

Who can help? NRPF Network

See 'Act' section for direct links and further information 

Act

National Support Services

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau provides support with welfare benefits, debt management, housing, employment issues, and utility bills and more. They assist with benefit applications, challenges, and housing-related matters such as eviction prevention and tenant rights. Additionally, they offer guidance on debt management, employment rights, and energy efficiency, assisting individuals navigating complex financial and legal challenges.

Tel: 0800 144 8848

Webpages:

Benefits - Benefits - Citizens Advice

Housing - Housing - Citizens Advice

Help with debt - Help with debt - Citizens Advice

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Citizens Advice

Make your home more energy efficient - Make your home more energy efficient - Citizens Advice

Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Citizens Advice

Government support - GOV.uk

GOV.uk provides financial assistance and support services in the UK. This includes the administration of welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The platform offers information and resources for managing finances, understanding pensions, and accessing various government support programs.

Additionally, GOV.uk provides guidance on tax credits, housing benefits, and financial aid for families and individuals in specific circumstances. 

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Web: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for Universal Credit: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Emergency Financial Assistance: Emergency Financial Assistance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP is responsible for providing support and services related to welfare, pensions, and employment.

Financial Hardship Support:

In cases of immediate financial hardship, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Speak to the DWP or Contact your local Jobcentre for information on how to apply.

You can usually only get a hardship payment 15 days after your JSA payment was stopped.

You’ll be able to get your hardship payment straight away if you’re considered ‘vulnerable’ by the Jobcentre. This means you or your partner:

  • is responsible for a child or young person
  • is pregnant, disabled or a carer
  • is homeless
  • is under 18
  • is under 21 and has recently been looked after by the local authority
  • has a chronic medical condition
  • has a long-term mental impairment - this includes mental health conditions (such as depression), cognitive impairments (such as dementia) and learning disabilities (such as downs syndrome)

You’ll have to show proof, for example a letter from a doctor or a benefit letter.

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment: Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice, helping individuals create realistic budgets and negotiating with creditors to freeze additional costs. They assist in setting up Debt Management Plans for structured debt repayment. In cases of severe financial distress, StepChange provides insolvency advice. Online tools and resources, including budgeting calculators, are available. The charity emphasises ongoing support and financial education to empower individuals for a secure financial future.

StepChange Debt Charity can provide guidance if the cessation of benefits has led to financial difficulties.

Web: StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.

Life, money and budgeting: Your Personal Situation. Debt & Money Advice. StepChange

Coping with the rising cost of living

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? If you're on a low income, find out if you're entitled to:

One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills: Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange

Grants and funding to pay for energy bills: Grants And Funding To Pay For Energy Bills. StepChange

Government help with gas and electricity bills: Government Help With Gas & Electricity Bills. StepChange.

National Debtline

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer a free and confidential debt advice service. They have helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Tel: 0808 808 4000 or Live webchat
(Between Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturdays 9.30am-1pm)

Web: Debt advice | Free debt advice | National Debtline
Cost of living hub: Cost of living library | National Debtline

To find out more advice and information on specific topics visit the Fact Sheet Library.

Web: Fact sheet library | National Debtline

 

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government:

  • Advice and guides to help improve your finances
  • Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
  • Support over the phone and online

Tel: 0800 1387777

*Calls are free. We’re committed to providing you with a quality service, so calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes and to help us develop our services.

Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Webchat: Got a question? We will point you in the right direction. You can start a Webchat online to talk to us live.

Webchat opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
  • Saturday, 8am to 3pm
  • Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed.

WhatsApp: Need help sorting out your debts, have credit questions or want pensions guidance? You can talk to us live on WhatsApp.

  • Add +44 77 0134 2744 to your WhatsApp and send us a message.
  • For everything else please contact us via Webchat or phone.

Turn2us

Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity.

Apply for a charitable grant: Charitable grants can be given as money, products or services and don't have to be paid back.

Search for charitable grants Or contact Turn2us who can provide free financial advice and support to people in the UK in crisis.

Call the free helpline: 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5.30pm)

Web: Turn2us Grants Search

The Trussell Trust

Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times.

If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of our free helplines.

Web: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

No Recourse to Public Funds Network

The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network offers support for asylum seekers facing financial challenges. Specifically, the Section 95 Asylum Support provided by the Home Office aims to assist individuals with NRPF, ensuring they have access to accommodation and essential living expenses. This support is vital for those who are ineligible for mainstream welfare benefits. Additionally, it provides financial assistance to those with limited means. This support includes a weekly allowance for essential living expenses.
 
An asylum seeker who has accommodation can apply for financial support (or subsistence) only. The weekly amount provided is £47.39 for each person in the household. Additional weekly payments are made for pregnant mothers (£3), babies under 1 (£5) and children aged 1 to 3 (£3).
The NRPF Network guides individuals facing immigration challenges by providing information and resources on rights and entitlements.
 
An application for asylum support needs to be made on form ASF1, which is available on GOV.UK, and can be submitted through Migrant Help. See also the Home Office information about asylum support.

Other National Support

Mental Health

Please refer to the Mental Wellbeing MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline, established in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, provides immediate and confidential support to individuals facing domestic abuse in the UK. Those in need can access expert advice, emotional support, and information on available resources, guidance on safety planning, and information about local services, including refuge accommodation.

The free 24 hour helpline: 0800 9995 428

Drugs and Alcohol

For alcohol support please refer to the Alcohol MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Homelessness

Please refer to the Housing and Homelessness MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Local Support Services

'Help with the Cost of Living' websites for your Local Authority area are listed below.  These provide a valuable source of information on some of more localised support arrangements for where you live.

Local Support and Contact Details