Help from the 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:
- income support (opens new window)
- help with your energy bills (opens new window)
- help with childcare costs (opens new window)
- housing support (opens new window)
- help with transport costs (opens new window)
- help finding work (opens new window)
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 2022 to 2023
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 You'll receive a government bonus of 50p for every £1 saved even if money has been withdrawn.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)