Cost of Living Information
Now many people are concerned about the rising cost of living, and this is particularly true of people living in later years. At Age Well East we are here to support you.
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Benefits:
- Check you are claiming all the benefits you are eligible to claim
Over 850,000 low-income pensioner households that are entitled to pension credit fail to claim it each year. These benefits can also be a “gateway” to other help, such as cost-of-living payments.
Some benefits are not means tested for example Attendance Allowance and reductions in council tax.
Our advice service is available for people aged 60 or over who live in the Colchester and Tendring area. Our team can do a “benefit check” to make sure you are claiming all the welfare benefits you are eligible to claim. If you are struggling financially, we can also help you access grants. You can call us or complete our online referral form.
To check what benefits, you might be entitled to you can use the following benefits calculators:
Gov.uk
Check benefits and financial support you can get – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Independent free benefits calculators
Government Cost of Living Payments:
Find out whether you will be receiving a government cost of living payment. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. You can also use this website to report a missing payment.
Report a missing Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)
You can find out what you are due to received using the link below:
Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you are unsure and would like support, you can call us or complete our online referral form.
Referral FormHelp with energy bills and heating your home:
- Warm Homes EssexThis organisation is a partnership between Essex County Council and Citizens Advice Essex. They are there to help you keep your home warm.Help with bills:You may feel overwhelmed by a bill, not sure why it’s so high, cannot pay it or do not know how to pay it. Warm Homes Essex can help sort it out.
Help with Heating your home:
Warm Homes Essex can help if your home is cold because of a broken boiler or heating system. There are also emergency heating schemes available in Essex.
Contact: 0300 3033 789
Warm Homes Essex website also has a useful “Energy Saving Tips” page:
Budgeting:
Budget Planning
Drawing up a budget can help you to take a close look at the money you have coming in and going out.
This can really help you to stay on top of your bills and spot areas where you can make savings.
The independent Money Helper website has a budget planner.
Beginner’s guide to managing your money | MoneyHelper
Age Well East can support you if you find you are struggling to budget effectively. Call us or complete our online referral form.
Referral FormAre you worried about debt?
The following organisations provide free debt advice:
Step Change – Helpline: 0800 138 111 / Free Debt Helpline & Online Advice
National Debt Helpline – Helpline: 0808 808 4000 / https://www.debtadviceline.uk/
Cost of Living Guides
The following websites have comprehensive guides on topics such as help with energy bills, boosting your income and managing your money.
Age UK
Help with the cost of living | Age UK
Citizens Advice
Get help with the cost of living – Citizens Advice
Money Saving Expert
Emergency and Short-Term help:
Essential Living Fund
Anyone living in Essex can apply for the Essex Essential Living Fund. You will need to give information about your financial situation.
The Essential Living Fund can help pay for: furniture, household furnishings, white goods, clothing and footwear, general living expenses such as groceries and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters
You must live in Essex and apply for the fund through Southend Borough Council.
Essential Living Fund – Southend-on-Sea City Council
Household Support Fund Scheme
The Household Support Fund is distributed by councils in England to help those in need and most affected by the cost-of-living crisis to support them to resolve their financial issues.
This fund can provide one off help with bills and essential items. Contact your local Council to find out more as each council runs their own scheme.
Food Banks
If you are struggling to afford food you could use a foodbank, they are there to help.
To get help from most foodbanks, you need to be referred. If you’re not sure who to talk to, try asking your local Citizens Advice.
Using a food bank – Citizens Advice
Find a local foodbank using the link below:
Charitable Grants:
There may be charitable grants available to help you.
Turn2Us – Find charitable grants
Check what help you can get from local and national charities on the Turn2us website
Some are open to everyone; others might be available to you based on your situation. They do not have to be paid back.
Search for charitable and educational grants – Turn2us
Friends of the Elderly Grants
Friends of the Elderly provide small grants, normally up to £400, to older people who are living on low income.
These grants can only be accessed via a Third-Party Referral Agents such as your local Citizens Advice Bureaux or Age Well East.
Introduction to Friend of the Elderly’s Grants Giving Service (fote.org.uk)
Are you at risk of becoming homeless?
Your Local Borough Council
Your local Borough Council will have a Housing and Homelessness team to support you.
Peabody Outreach Service – Helpline: 0800 288 8883
The service is commissioned by Essex County Council to protect people in Essex from becoming homeless by ensuring all residents have access to early help and support.
This service is available to everyone living in Essex over the age of 16 who needs support, guidance or advice.
Warm Spaces:
Warm spaces are to help people stay warm in the hard times when fuel costs are rocketing.
We can make a real difference to you or someone you know.
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