Cost of Living

We know that rising prices can make it harder to pay for everyday things like food, energy and household bills. If you're worried about money, you're not alone. Support may be available, and we're here to help you find it.

If you're struggling with rent or household costs, please contact us as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help.

Email: incomerecovery@gatewayhousing.org.uk 

Help with money

You might be able to get extra financial support through benefits, grants or local support schemes. You may be able to get help with:

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

Use our benefits calculator to check what support you can receive, here.

Rent support

If you're struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This can provide short-term help if you're receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

Council Tax support

You might be able to get help paying your Council Tax.

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.

Find out more if you can apply for Universal Credit, here.

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.

Help with food and essentials

If you're struggling to afford food or everyday items, support is available.

You may be able to access:

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

Where to find support

 

Useful local organisations include:

Don't wait to seek help. If you would like support and guidance, please contact us by email: incomerecovery@gatewayhousing.org.uk 

Help with energy bills

Energy costs can be difficult to manage, especially in winter. 

Warm Home Discount

A discount on electricity bills for eligible households. Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme, here

Winter support

You might be able to apply for:

  • Winter Fuel Payment - A tax-free grant from the UK government to help pay heating costs in winter for people born before 27 June 1960. Find out more about Winter Fuel Payment, here
  • Cold Weather Payment - If the weather is very cold for a period of time, payments are made to people already getting Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment, here.

Energy supplier hardship support

If you're struggling with bills, contact your energy supplier.

They may be able to offer:

  • Payment plans
  • Emergency credit
  • Additional support for vulnerable customers.

Priority Services Register support

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that provides extra advice and support to vulnerable households, particularly during supply interruptions for electricity, gas, and water. Find out more about the The Priority Services Register (PSR), here.

Help for Households

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

Discounts and money-saving schemes

There are schemes that help reduce your everyday living costs.

Broadband and phone services

Some broadband companies offer cheaper packages for people on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. See the full list of broadband and phone social tariffs, here.

Water bill assistance schemes

Thames Water offers support for people struggling to pay their bill. You can complete their online assessment and they will let you know what support you can get. Find out more information about support from Thames Water, here.

Free school meals

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you certain benefits. You can enter your postcode and see if you can apply for free school meals, here.

Help to buy food and milk

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you could get help to buy healthy food and milk through the NHS Healthy Start scheme. Find out more and how to sign up for the Healthy Start scheme, here.

Travel discounts

Transport for London has discounts on their travel for:

  • Young people
  • Students
  • Job seekers
  • People aged 60+.

Find out more about Transport for London discounts and free passes, here.

Advice and guidance

If you're worried about money, bills, or debt, organisations 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:

You can also get advice from your council:

Speaking to someone can help you understand your options, maximise your income and access additional support you may not be aware of.

Gateway support

We're here to support residents when times are hard. Working with local partners we can help residents get 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 rent, bills or household costs, please contact us as soon as possible:

Email: incomerecovery@gatewayhousing.org.uk