Managing the cost of living

Make sure to check your benefits and see if you are entitled to means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit, or a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance. These benefits can mean you are entitled to government cost of living payments in future.

Energy bill arrears

If you’re in arrears with your energy bills, can you get these cleared so you only pay for what you use? Check with your fuel supplier if they can help. If your supplier is not able to help, contact Citizen's Advice, British Gas Energy Trust or Charis Grants. You should not ignore arrears and there may be help available if you ask.

If you got vouchers for a prepayment meter earlier this year and haven't cashed them yet, they may be out of date. Contact your energy supplier as they might be able to replace them. 

A free support service

Are you on the Priority Services Register? The register is a free support service to help people who may be vulnerable.

Once you’re on the register, you can receive extra support. For example, during a power cut, or getting your meter checked regularly.

If you have Parkinson’s or live with someone who does, contact your energy provider or network operator to get on the register. In Northern Ireland, you can join Northern Ireland Electricity Networks critical care register. You can sign up online or call 03457 643 643.

Off-peak usage

If you have a smart meter and use electricity at off-peak times, you should get a discount on your electricity bill. Check with your electricity supplier for further details.

Housing Association tenant support

Are you a Housing Association tenant? Housing Associations may have funds and support for their tenants, and some have a specialist energy adviser. They may have access to grants to help with arrears or improve heating or insulation. They can also advise you how to get the most heat for your money.Contact your landlord for more information.

Having an energy efficient home

Is your home energy efficient? There are organisations that can advise you about energy efficiency and funding that might be available to you.

These include:

• Contact your energy supplier as they may have grants or support available - most but not all suppliers are signed up to the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) to offer help to customers.
• Wise Group operates in Scotland and some parts of England. The organisation provides advice about heating your home affordably. Contact their Home Energy Advice team on 0800 092 9002.
• Citizen's Advice may be able to advise on reducing costs and funding for things like boilers and insulation. 
• Help to Heat is a Government scheme which is helping people to make sure homes are warmer and cheaper to heat.
• NI Energy Advice offers free energy advice to households in Northern Ireland, including advice about energy grants. Contact them at [email protected] or 0800 111 4455. 
• In Scotland, the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) can help people to reduce their household fuel bills. Visit Home Energy Scotland or call 0808 808 2282.
• NEST is the Welsh government’s scheme to help people with household fuel bills. Visit their website or call 0808 808 2244. 

A benefit entitlement check will give you an idea of what benefits and financial support you can claim. It takes into account your financial situation and personal circumstances. 

It's important to know what you're entitled to. Call our helpline on 0808 800 0303 or email [email protected] to find out what you can claim. 

Are you over state pension age? Lots of people aren't aware they can claim Pension Credit. 

Pension Credit is paid to top up retirement pensions.

Whether you get it, or how much, depends on your income and savings, or if you're a carer. It's also affected if you receive a disability benefit, such as Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

For example: 

• Mary is 72 and single. She has less than £10,000 in savings and a weekly income of £295. She receives Attendance Allowance in addition to that and was awarded Pension Credit.
• Bal and Charan are married. Their combined weekly income was above £332.95 so would not have been eligible for Pension Credit. But they were awarded a disability benefit, which then allowed them to successfully apply for Pension Credit.

Pension Credit might also help get other things such as energy payments and help with your Council Tax.

Lots of people don’t claim for Pension Credit, but if you’re single and over pension age, or in a couple and are both over pension age, you should check you’re eligible.

You can use the government’s online calculator to see if you're eligible. Or contact our helpline for free on 0808 800 0303 or [email protected].

You can use the online service to apply if you have already applied for your State Pension.

Do you still work? You may still be eligible for financial support.

You may be able to get Employment and Support allowance based on your national insurance contributions if you have received Statutory Sick Pay for a total of 28 weeks - even if your employer is still paying you. 

Employment and Support Allowance can be paid if you are not well enough to work. It is based on national insurance payments and is not means tested. 

You must have been paid enough national insurance in the last 2 full April-April tax years before the January of the year in which you start your claim. But there are exceptions to that if you have been a carer or a low-paid disabled worker -  and you might also be able to use national insurance credits if you have been a jobseeker or a carer.

Are you entitled to a discount or a rebate on your Council Tax? In Northern Ireland, you may be entitled to a Rate rebate. 

Do you take advantage of travel schemes?

There are lots of travel and transport schemes, which you may qualify for. Find out more about help getting around.