Financial Support
You could be missing out on financial help available to you through welfare benefits or grants. These free and easy-to-use tools, provided by Turn2us, can help you check what you might be able to claim or apply for.
TYPICAL BUDGET FOR SINGLE CLAIMANTS OF UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Due to the rising cost of living, the Government have several funds to help with the cost of utilities and food.
Is your income less than the standard rate of Universal Credit?
If yes, you may be eligible for further state benefits.
https://benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.uk/ 0808 802 2000
Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234
Do you currently get financial help towards your rent?
If no, you may be able to claim housing benefit from the council.
https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/benefits/housing-benefit/apply-for-housing-benefit/ 01472 313131
https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/benefits/help-to-pay-rent/ 01427 676676
Is your rent more than the Local Housing Allowance?
If yes, you may be eligible for help to find a more affordable home or you may be eligible for a discretionary housing payment from the council.
https://www.homechoicelincs.org.uk/ 01472 326296
https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/benefits/extra-money-for-rent-and-council-tax/ 01472 313131
https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/benefits/help-to-pay-rent/discretionary-payments/ 01427 676676
Are you receiving council tax support?
If no, you may be eligible for help (up tp 65%) from the council.
https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/benefits/council-tax-support/
https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/benefits/extra-money-for-rent-and-council-tax/ 01472 313131
https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/benefits/help-to-pay-council-tax/ 01427 676676
The average annual use of gas is 8,000kwh and electricity 1,800kwh. Is your gas and electricity more than this?
If yes, your supplier may offer different tariffs or payment arrangements, you may also wish to consider switching suppliers. The figures shown have been calculated by Ofgem using the standard tariff, you may be able to halve this figure. Also you may be eligible for help from the Home Energy Team at the Council. Heating - under Health & Safety law employers are required to keep workplace warmth levels 'reasonable' which guidance suggests should be around 16ºC, or 13ºC where the job involves manual labour, do you keep your home much warmer than this.
Your supplier's number will be shown on your bill.
www.nelincs.gov.uk/housing-grants-and-loans 01472 326296 option 5
https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/housing-and-home-choices/green-and-sustainable-living/ 01427 676676
The average annual use of water is 45m3. Is your water usage more than this?
If yes, you may be eligible for a different tariff from your water authority. The figure shown has been calculated using the standard tariff set by Anglian Water, you may be able to halve this figure.
https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/account-and-bill/tariffs-and-charges/ 0345 791 9155
https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/save-water/water-usage-calculator/#
The average spend on groceries is £40pw. Is your spend on food more than this?
If yes, you may be eligible for membership of the Company Shop Group which includes the Company Shop and the Community Shop. The ONS (Office of National Statistics) shows the average spend to be £40 per person per week on groceries.
https://www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/membership 01472 354241
Are you unable to organise your household & utility bills?
If yes, Job-Centre Plus may be able to organise 'third-party deductions' / alternative payment arrangements.
https://www.gov.uk/bills-benefits
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-alternative-payment-arrangements/alternative-payment-arrangements 0800 328 5644
Are you being exploited?
If yes, Victim Support may be able to help you
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/ 0808 168 9111
Do you have a drug addiction?
If yes, you may be able to get help from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
or contact your doctor
Do you have an alcohol addiction?
If yes, you may be able to get help from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
or contact your doctor
Do you have a gambling addiction?
If yes, you may be able to get help from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/gambling-addiction/
or contact your doctor
Do you have any costs due to health reasons?
If yes, you may be able to get help from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/ 0300 330 1343 Low Income Scheme helpline
Do you have any costs due to a funeral?
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
Are you in debt?
If yes, Step Change may be able to help you arrange an affordable debt management plan.
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-management-plan.aspx 0800 138 1111
Are you in an unaffordable mobile phone, broadband or TV contract?
If yes, Step Change may be able to give you some advice about cancelling the contract
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/your-financial-situation/saving-money-and-increasing-income.aspx 0800 138 1111
Have you received an unexpected bill?
If yes, you may be able to get a Budgeting Advance from DWP
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances#get-a-budgeting-advance 0800 328 5644
Are you unable to organise your finances due to mental health issues?
If yes, MIND may be able to offer you some support and advice.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/ 0300 123 3393
Is your financial problem not specified above?
Money Helper may be able to help. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en 0800 144 8943