Cost of living support

Could you claim Pension Credit? 

If you’re over State Pension age (so you must have been born on or before 22 Sep 1958), you might be eligible for Pension Credit to top up your income and access additional benefits like winter fuel payments*. 

Use this quick benefits calculator to check what you could claim

*You must be eligible for Pension Credit between 16-22 September to access winter fuel payments, but your claim can be backdated by 3 months so it's worth finding out.

Updated 1 October 2024

Updated energy price cap information 

Sources of support and advice to help you face rising costs

Our services and support

Do you have outstanding bills you're worried about or can't afford?

We can support you with completely free and independent debt advice and help you to find a solution that is right for you.

Want to save money on your bills?

We have an arrangement with Pocket Power Opens in new window, a telephone triage service that can help you save money on your household bills. This looks at more than just gas and electric. It includes savings on water and sewerage, broadband and mobile phones.

Have you checked to see if you're claiming everything you're eligible for or considering a new job that might change your financial situation?

Or perhaps you’re considering making some changes to your household budget?

To see what affect changing your circumstances could have, fill in our Better Off Calculator.

Been affected by benefit changes or think you'll struggle to pay your rent?

Speak with our customer accounts teams to see how we can help. You can also read our tips on creating a budget.

Are you looking for work or thinking of starting your own business?

Sometimes getting job-related training, a job (or a better paid job) could boost your income to help. See details on our employment and business start-up support service and grants. You can also upskill with free learning courses.

Did you know we have a range of services, offers and support that can help you become digitally included? 

Find out about online training and digital equipment grants.

Want to know more about the support we can offer local community groups?

Take a look at the advice we can offer and community grants.

Further information on support available

Please note that the information below was correct as 8 December 2023

Support in your area

Money and debt

We can help with advice and support on claiming the right benefits, managing debt or making a budget. Or check out our tips and links to help lower your fuel bills and make your money go further. 

Find out more

Lower fuel bills

Help’s available from your supplier or Sovereign if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills. See links to grants and schemes, plus what to do if your energy supplier goes out of business. 

Find out more

Employment and skills

We’ve helped thousands of residents with their work goals and we can help you too: from getting into work to finding better paid work or gaining a qualification. 

Find out more