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
From 1st April 2026 the Council has launched a discretionary support scheme to help with rent payments through the Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments. There is also a discretionary fund available for additional help with Council Tax. For more information, please contact the Money Advice Team or visit our Additional Rent & Council Tax Help page.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides support to residents experiencing financial hardship, helping with essential costs such as housing expenses and heating fuel, including heating oil. In Bassetlaw, Bassetlaw District Council will administer support relating to housing payments, while Nottinghamshire County Council will provide other forms of assistance under the fund. Further information on eligibility and how to apply for non-housing support will be available on the Nottinghamshire County Council website, and residents are encouraged to visit their site for the latest updates.
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 Tuesday, May 12, 2026