Cost of living support
Many Worcestershire residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it is important to know what help and support is available to you.
Local organisations offering support can be found on the Here2Help Community Services Directory and you can find the organisations closest to you by searching on your postcode.
Government advice
Website: GOV.UK cost of living for information on the cost of living payment and when it will be paid.
Website: GOV.UK help for households
Local support
Website: Worcestershire Advice Network
Find out what support is available for the cost of Living locally in your district:
Website: Bromsgrove District Council
Website: Malvern Hills District Council
Website: Redditch Borough Council
Website: Worcester City District Council
Website: Wychavon District Council
Website: Wyre Forest District Council
Guidance: Financial support
Food and supplies
Website: Trussell Trust
Website: Healthy start
Keeping warm and heating your home
Website: Home fire safety checks
Website: Warm and Safe Homes Advice - National Energy Action (NEA)
Paying your water bill
Website: Severn Trent trust fund
Finding work and learning
Website: Skills4Worcestershire
Website: Job Centre
Employability Support and Job Clubs
Free and low cost learning courses
Frequently asked question
- What vouchers or support am I entitled to help pay for my household costs as my neighbour has received something?
Make sure you assess ytour own circumsatnces these could be different to you neighbour. Advice Local can talk to you about benefits.
Check benefits and financial support you can get from GOV.UK.
Get government cost of living support from GOV.UK.
Household Support Fund. - How can I reduce my energy use?
Install a smart meter see Smart Energy.
Energy saving tips from the Energy Saving Trust.
Reduce your home heat loss.
Act on Energy can also provide useful advice and guidance. - Does the £2500 energy cap mean I won’t pay more than £2500 per year?
No, the £2500 is a guide figure based on average energy usage. The price cap refers to the unit price and standing charge paid for your energy. If you use more, you will pay more. - How do I receive the £400 government energy rebate?
Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers from GOV.UK
Getting the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount from GOV.UK - Which kitchen appliance will be the cheapest to cook food?
Try this energy calculator from sust-it. - I have no credit left on my prepayment meter and no money to top it up, what can I do?
Act on Energy can also provide useful advice and guidance. - Are there any grants for insulating my property?
Act on Energy can also provide useful advice and guidance. - My heating is broken, and I can’t afford to get it repaired, is there any scheme to help me?
Act on Energy can also provide useful advice and guidance. - I can’t afford my fuel bills or I am in debt with my bills, what can do?
Firstly, contact your energy supplier if you have not already. Suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules.
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills from Citizens Advice
Act on Energy can also provide useful advice and guidance.
Advice Local can talk to you about benefits to support you.
Video on how to read you energy bill from U Switch.
Contact your local Citizen's Advice.
You can also view organisations in Worcestershire that can help with money matters, benefits, and finances on the search for help. - My energy company is saying I need to have a prepayment meter, which I don’t want, what can I do?
For further advice on the circumstances under which you could decline a pre payment meter see guidance from Citizens advice. - My cooker, fridge or washing machine is broken and I can’t afford to replace it, is there any support for these items?
There may be schemes available through your local Citizens Advice supported funded by the Household Support Fund. Citizen's Advice may also be able to signpost you to any local charities.
A credit union maybe able to help with flexible payments.
No Interest Loans Scheme Tenbury area
Malvern Hills No Interest Loans Scheme
Household Support Fund. - Find a credit union
Provide ethical quality financial services for everyone 6 Towns Credit Union. - I’m concerned about my housing situation or rental property?
- Each Local council in Worcestershire offers a housing options service which provides specialist housing advice. The service is accessible to anyone requiring housing advice, experiencing homelessness or threatened with homelessness. Housing advice.
- I’m concerned about the damp and mould in my property?
For further advice and support with home conditions:
NHS advice: Can damp and mould affect my health?
Citizens advice guidance: Repairs
Act on Energy advice on condensation, damp and mould