Cost of Living

If you're finding it difficult to keep up with household costs, support may be available through benefits, grants and other financial assistance schemes.

You may be able to get help with:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Support
• Pension Credit
• Disability and Carer's Benefits
• Child Benefit and family support payments
• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments can provide short-term support if you're struggling to pay your rent. To apply, you must be paying rent and receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

Tower Hamlets Discretionary Housing Payments page

Council Tax Support

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get help with your Council Tax.

Tower Hamlets Council Tax Support / Council Tax Benefits page]

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs, including housing payments. You may be eligible if you are on a low income or out of work.

GOV.UK Universal Credit page

Housing Benefit

Most people who need help with housing costs should apply for Universal Credit. However, some residents may still be able to make a new Housing Benefit claim depending on their circumstances.

Tower Hamlets Housing Benefit online form

Benefits Calculator

You may be entitled to benefits or financial support that you are not currently claiming. A benefits calculator can help you check what you may be eligible for and show you how to apply.

Better Off Calculator / Gateway’s existing benefits calculator link

If you're worried about debt or struggling to manage your finances, free and independent debt advice is also available.

If you're struggling to afford food, toiletries or other everyday essentials, support is available across Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets has a number of food stores where residents can access food at a reduced cost. These services may also be able to support you with other issues, such as housing, benefits and employment.

To find out more or to become a member, email: thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk

You may also be able to get support from local food banks, community food hubs and school-based food provision.

Support may include:

• Community food stores
• Food banks
• Emergency food parcels
• School holiday food support
• Essential household items
• Family support services

Useful local organisations include:

• Underwood Road Foodbank
• Ensign Youth Club
• Bow Food Bank
• Bethnal Green Foodbank
• Bow Muslim Cultural Centre
• Providence Row
• Globe Primary School
• Bygrove School

Bygrove School website
Providence Row website
Globe Primary School website
Bow Food Bank website

If you're facing immediate hardship, don't wait to seek help. Support is available and early advice can make a significant difference.

Rising energy prices continue to place pressure on household budgets. Support may be available through government schemes, energy suppliers and local organisations.

You may be eligible for:

• Warm Home Discount
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment
• Energy supplier hardship schemes
• Priority Services Register support
• Energy-saving advice

Help for Households

The government’s Help for Households website provides information on support with energy bills and ways to reduce household costs.

Help for Households website

The Warm Home Discount provides eligible households with a discount on their electricity bill.

GOV.UK Warm Home Discount page

If you were born before a certain date, you may be able to get support with heating costs during winter.

GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment page

You may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if you receive certain benefits and the weather is very cold for a set period.

GOV.UK Cold Weather Payment page

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible. Many providers can offer repayment plans, emergency credit and additional support for vulnerable customers.

There are a range of schemes available that may help reduce your everyday living costs.

You may be eligible for:

• Social tariffs for broadband and phone services
• Water bill assistance schemes
• Free school meals
• Healthy Start support for families with young children
• Travel discounts and concessionary schemes
• Local community discounts and support programmes

Some broadband providers offer discounted rates, known as social tariffs, for customers on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

Ofcom list of broadband and phone social tariffs

It is also worth checking whether you are out of contract with your broadband, phone or TV provider, as switching or renegotiating your contract could help reduce your monthly bills.

If you're worried about money, bills or debt, there are organisations that can provide free, confidential and independent advice.

Support is available on:

• Benefits and welfare support
• Managing debt
• Budgeting and household finances
• Energy costs
• Employment and training opportunities
• Housing and tenancy matters

Useful organisations include:

Gateway is committed to supporting residents through periods of financial hardship and helping people build long-term financial resilience.

Through our partnerships and community investment work, residents may be able to access support with:

• Fuel and energy costs
• Financial wellbeing
• Employment and training opportunities
• Digital inclusion
• Community support projects
• Emergency hardship assistance

If you're worried about your finances, rent payments or rising household costs, please contact us as soon as possible. We may be able to help you access support or signpost you to organisations that can assist.

Email: incomerecovery@gatewayhousing.org.uk

The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help identify the support available to you.