Millions of households across the UK are struggling to make their incomes stretch to cover the rising cost of living. That is why the government is providing over £15 billion in further support, targeted particularly on those with the greatest need.
The Cabinet Office has recently launched the ‘Help for Households’ campaign which explains the 41 different government schemes available to help with the cost of living, including new one-off payments as well as existing benefits and schemes.
These schemes have now been brought onto one Cost of Living Support website.
More information about some of the support available is also available on this webpage.
Financial support
Help with rent or council tax arrears
In 2023-4 the Council has launched a discretionary support scheme, funded from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Household Support Fund, to help with rent arrears. There is also a discretionary fund for additional help with Council Tax. Please contact the Money advice team for more information visit our Additional Rent & Council Tax Help page.
Warm home discount scheme
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2023 and March 2024.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.
Find out more on warm home discount scheme.
Household Support Fund - help with food and fuel
Thanks to the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) people in Nottinghamshire will continue to receive a share of vital money worth £5.6 million to those in immediate need of help, because of the rising costs of food and energy. Around one-third of this money has been set aside for pensioners.
For residents in Bassetlaw, the Household Support Fund is being administered by Nottinghamshire County Council and further information can be found on its website: Household Support Fund - Nottinghamshire County Council.
Residents who are most in need are being provided with vouchers towards food and energy bills, and for holiday food vouchers for those on free school meals. If you are a pensioner on Pension Credits or a family with free school meals these payments will be made direct to you. Otherwise you can get a referral to the scheme, from the Council’s Money Advisors or Citizens Advice by contacting their cost of living helpline on 01909 498888
Maximising your income / benefits
Universal Credit (UC) ‐ the DWP wants to encourage people who could be better off financially to consider moving to UC. They estimate that more than half of current claimants will be better off. From September 2023, the DWP will start to write to people inviting them to switch from their current benefits to Universal Credit. You will not be worse off if you apply when you get the letter as transitional protection payments will be made. For further information go to: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK
Pension Credit - this is one of the most under-claimed benefits by those of pension-age. If you are entitled to Pension Credit this can lead to additional help with Council Tax and free TV licences for over 75's. To check if you, or a family member might be entitled to Pension Credit, please go to:Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK
Housing Benefit / Council Tax Support - if you are pension-age and live in rented accommodation and are on a low income you may be able to claim help with your rent. If you pay Council Tax and are on a low income you may be able to claim Council Tax Support. To check potential entitlement and to make a claim go to our Benefits webpage.
Attendance Allowance - this helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability. You could get £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support if you’re both:
- physically or mentally disabled
- State Pension age or older
It does not cover mobility needs. Find out more about attendance allowance.
Further information
You can contact the Council’s Money Advisors by email or call us on 01909 533744. You can Contact Citizens Advice Bassetlaw cost of living helpline on 01909 498 888.
Money Helper is a free service provided by the Money and Pensions Service.
Stepchange - the debt charity, have put together a step-by-step guide to help anyone who's feeling weighed down by money worries.
- Spot the signs of debt stress
- Talk to someone you trust
- Get debt advice if you need it.
Last Updated on Wednesday, January 22, 2025