Managing your money

money tips

We know that money worries can be very stressful and sometimes difficult to talk about. It is important to know you are not alone and speaking out is the first step towards geting the help and support you need.

Taking the time to manage your money better can really pay off. It can help you stay on top of your bills and save you money. The extra savings can be used to pay off any debts you might have, used towards your savings, or spent on your next car or holiday.

The Money Advice Service have a budget planner to help you work out your finances and money managing tips so you can take control of your finances.

Support with the cost of living

Support with the cost of living

We are aware that the cost of living rises are hitting people hard. The Government has announced several grants to try to help make your money go further. Some of the support available for workers, benefit claimants, people with disabilities and pensioners can be found below.

Cost of Living Payments

You may be able to get up to 5 payments to help with the cost of living if you are getting certain benefits or tax credits.

To be entitled to up to 3 cost of living payments you must be in receipt of:

  • Income based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit

How much you will receive and when:

  • £301 - paid between 25th April 2023 and 17th May 2023
  • £300 - paid Autumn 2023 (date to be confirmed)
  • £299 - paid Spring 2024 (date to be confirmed)

Disability Cost of Living Payment

If you are in receipt of one of the following benefits you could be entitled to a Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150, payable between 20th June 2023 and 4th July 2023:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (adults/children)
  • Personal Independence Payment

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

If you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 23/24, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment in November 2023.

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 23/24 if you were born before 25th September 1957.

Warm Home Discount

Some customers will be entitled to receive a warm home discount of £150 off their electricity bill for Winter 23/24. This scheme has not yet opened, and further details will be provided as soon as they are released.

Benefit Check

Speak with our Tenancy Support team on 0800 9530213 (option 4) and have a benefit check. It is estimated that around £19bn a year in welfare benefits goes unclaimed. £7.5bn of this is unclaimed Universal Credit.

Household Support Fund

If you are struggling to pay for essentials like food and heating you may be able to apply to your local council for help from the Household Support Fund. Each council has its own criteria and application process.

Check with your local council to find out what support is available or you can call our Tenancy Support team on 0800 9530213 (option 4) who will be happy to help you make an application.

Debt advice

If you are struggling with debt, it is important to know that you are not alone. We all need help from time to time.

If you are in debt, or just worried about money the important thing is to get in touch and talk to us. Our Tenancy Support team can provide a free welfare benefit health check and where appropriate can sign post you to free confidential debt advice:  0800 9530213 (option 4)

There are a number of free impartial debt advice agencies that can help you. For further details please click on the links below:

How we can help

Our Tenancy Support Officers can make a huge difference to your income and quality of life. From carrying out benefit checks, making sure you are claiming all the benefits you should be receiving, to providing any additional support that may be available, they can help you find ways to improve your situation and help you manage your finances. Whatever your circumstances, you are not on your own – our Tenancy Support team will be with you every step of the way.

Our Tenancy Support team can help with:  

  • Filling out forms and making telephone applications
  • Benefit appeals and Tribunal Hearings
  • Applying for grants and essential household items and more

Get in touch by contacting the Tenancy Support team.