Important costs like gas, electricity, fuel and food are rising steeply. It's a real worry and is affecting many people across the country. We've pulled together some advice, tips and resources to support you. This page will be updated regularly with the latest advice and help for you.
Energy costs are due to rise on average £700 a year from April 2022. This might feel overwhelming and worrying, but there are lots of resources you can turn to for help and advice.
If you're falling behind with your energy bills, and finding yourself struggling to pay, the best thing to do is contact your supplier as soon as possible. Under rules from regulator Ofgem, your supplier has to help you – usually by negotiating a payment plan that you can afford.
So don't panic – your supply won't be cut off. Due to ongoing additional support measures put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, disconnections of standard credit meters have been suspended.
Martin Lewis has a detailed advice page to help if you're worried or struggling to pay your energy bills.
National Energy Action (NEA) can also help. They offer a free support to people in England and Wales to help with their energy bills and keeping warm and safe in their home.
If you find it difficult to pay your energy bills, whether you pay monthly or have a pre-payment meter, visit the Fuelbank Foundation, who have a wealth of information to help you.
With the increasing cost of energy, it’s worth knowing that according to the Energy Saving Trust, on average, 16% of a household’s energy bill is from heating water for activities such as baths, showers, washing up and water-using electrical appliances.
Most people don’t realise that on average, each person uses around 142 litres of water every single day – that’s enough to make over 450 cups of tea! So it really adds up.
So small changes to the way we use water at home can make a big difference to reducing your energy bill. Keep an eye out for leaky loos, turn the tap off when your brushing your teeth and try to spend one minute less in the shower.
United Utilities have some great tips and resources to help you save water and money.
If you're using United Utilities and are struggling with debt, they have help on offer and you can apply for their Trust Fund here.
If you’re looking for budget friendly recipes, have a look at award-winning food writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe’s food blog. Jack started her blog after having to feed herself and her young son on £10 a week. She writes recipes for people who are living on extremely tight budgets, including people relying on food banks. Her recipes are designed with the simplest, cheapest ingredients in mind and often cost under 50p.
If you’re struggling to pay for food, find your local foodbank. The largest foodbank organisation in the UK is the Trussell Trust. It has over 1,200 foodbanks across the country. You can use their website to find your local foodbank. There are also smaller organisations running foodbanks too.
Runcorn District Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
There are a number of social supermarkets across the North West, who distribute surplus food donated from retailers, charities or individuals for free. We'll be adding to this list as we come across more:
You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.
You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. The payments will be made separately from your benefit or tax credits.
These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get. It can get really confusing so we've tried to break it down for you. You can also visit Gov.uk's Cost of Living Payment page.
You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you’re getting any of the following:
If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you’re entitled.
You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.
When you’ll be paid
Most of the first payments of £326 will be made between 14 July 2022 and the end of July 2022. We will update this guidance when payments have been made.
You’ll get the second payment of £324 in autumn 2022, if you’re entitled.
If you also get a qualifying disability benefit, you may get an additional Disability Cost of Living Payment.
You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you have an award of any of the following:
If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you’re entitled.
If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you will receive a Cost of Living Payment for Child Tax Credit only.
If you get tax credits from HMRC and a low income benefit from DWP, you will get a Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.
When you’ll be paid
You’ll get the first payment of £326 from autumn 2022 and the second payment of £324 from winter 2022, if you’re entitled.
If you also get a qualifying disability benefit, you may get an additional Disability Cost of Living Payment from DWP.
You may get a lump sum payment of £150 if you’re getting any of the following:
If you get a qualifying disability benefit from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and a qualifying disability benefit from DWP, you will get a Disability Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.
When you’ll get paid
You’ll get the payment from September 2022.
If you also get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits, you may get an additional Cost of Living Payment.
If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household paid with your normal payment from November 2022. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits.
The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances.
Visit Gov.uk's Cost of Living Payment page for more information.
We know it can be tempting to avoid talking about money concerns but the sooner people act the better. Our Welfare Team can offer you help and advice on a wide range of money matters - nobody has to struggle alone. Call 0800 169 2988, use our live chat service or contact us via our mobile app.
Try our Benefits Calculator to help you figure out what you may be entitled to - it's worth checking with the recent changes in Universal Credit.
We also have a Budgeting Tool to help you maximise your income and keep track of your outgoings. This is always the first step in managing your finances and taking control of your money.
Martin Lewis has a detailed section on his MoneySavingExpert website covering budgeting and debt help, and how to deal with the Cost of Living crisis.
The Government-backed MoneyHelper website offers free, impartial advice on all things money related - from pensions to budgeting and managing debt.
Have a look at Turn 2 Us - a website helping people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.
If you're struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there is help available - you don't need to struggle and suffer in silence.
If you have money worries, then our Welfare team can support you to access all of the benefits that you are entitled to, help you manage your household budget, and signpost you to any other support you may wish to access. The important thing to do is make sure that you get in touch with us. If you are worried that you might be falling into arrears then give us a call on 0800 169 2988 (during office hours) and discuss your situation with us; if you’re having problems then we can try to help you if you let us know.
We have a range of support services in place to help anyone who might be struggling, including support to access employment and training opportunities, or if you are feeling isolated or lonely. You can find more information about these services on our website here, or by calling the number above.
If you feel like you're struggling with your mental health Mind UK are here to help, with a range of resources available.
Sometimes things can get out of control and you may need urgent help. There is help available through each local council if you're in a crisis situation:
