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Help from the government

Help for households from government

Help for Households

The Help for Households government campaign (opens new window) explains the different schemes available to help with the cost of living. It covers new one-off payments and existing benefits and schemes, including:

If you need help with rent or living expenses you may qualify for Universal Credit (opens new window) . Other government benefits available including eligibility, appeals and tax credits. (opens new window)

Cost of Living Payment

You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you're getting certain benefits or tax credits. You could get up to 3 different types of payment depending on your circumstances:

  • a Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits
  • a Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit
  • a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, if you're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024

Further information and guidance on the Cost of Living Payment (opens new window)

Help to Save

Help to Save is a savings scheme for low-income earners. You can deposit between £1 and £50 a month into your account. You'll receive a government bonus of 50p for every £1 saved even if money has been withdrawn.

HMRC has produced a video on YouTube (opens new window)  to help you learn about the scheme.

Find out more and apply for the Help to Save scheme (opens new window)

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a scheme for pensioners. Around a third of those eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it and could be missing out on extra money each week. The average weekly amount of Pension Credit is over £67.

Find out more information about Pension Credit (opens new window)