COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
If money is tight, you do not need to face it alone.
We have brought together trusted, free sources of help with benefits, household bills, food, debt and wellbeing.
If you are worried about paying your rent or keeping your accommodation, please speak to your Housing Support Officer as early as possible.
Where to begin
START WITH THE ISSUE AFFECTING YOU MOST
Ask for help as early as possible. Many organisations can check what support you are entitled to, help you arrange affordable payments or refer you for local emergency assistance.
CHECK YOUR INCOME
Make sure you are receiving all the benefits, grants and financial assistance available to you.
PRIORITISE ESSENTIAL COSTS
Rent, energy, food and essential travel should normally be prioritised before unsecured borrowing and other non-essential spending.
SPEAK TO US EARLY
If you are worried about paying your rent, service charges or keeping your accommodation, contact PPSL or speak to your Housing Support Officer as soon as possible.
Benefits and housing costs
BENEFITS AND INCOME
Check whether you may be entitled to Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, disability benefits, Pension Credit or other financial support.
A free benefits calculator can provide an initial indication of the assistance that may be available. Your entitlement will depend on your individual circumstances.
RENT AND HOUSING COSTS
Contact PPSL promptly if you think you may miss a rent or service-charge payment.
Please do not wait until substantial arrears have accumulated. We can discuss your circumstances, identify the appropriate next steps and signpost you to further support.
Energy and debt
ENERGY AND HOUSEHOLD BILLS
Free and impartial advice is available if you are struggling with gas, electricity or other essential household bills.
Support may include advice about energy debt, affordable payment arrangements, grants, supplier hardship schemes and improving the energy efficiency of your home.
DEBT AND BUDGETING
If you are struggling with debt, seek independent advice before borrowing more money to repay existing debts.
A regulated debt adviser can help you understand your options, create an affordable budget and communicate with creditors.
Food and local assistance
FOOD AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you are unable to afford food or other essentials, your local council, Citizens Advice, support worker or Housing Support Officer may be able to refer you to a food bank or local welfare scheme.
Help may also be available with essential furniture, clothing, toiletries and household items.
LOCAL COUNCIL SUPPORT
Your local council may provide assistance through the Household Support Fund, local welfare schemes, Council Tax Reduction or homelessness-prevention services.
The support available varies between council areas, so check the website of the council responsible for the area where you live.
Health and wellbeing
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Money worries can affect your sleep, physical health, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
You do not need to wait until you reach crisis point before asking for help. Speak to your GP, Housing Support Officer or another professional you trust.
The NHS provides information about mental-health conditions, available services and how to access urgent support.
PPSL contact panel
WORRIED ABOUT PAYING YOUR RENT OR KEEPING YOUR ACCOMMODATION?
Please speak to your Housing Support Officer as soon as possible.
You can also contact Paradigm Property Solutions on 01625 839110 or email info@ppsluk.com.
We will listen without judgement, discuss your circumstances and help you identify the appropriate next step.
Urgent help
IMMEDIATE DANGER
Call 999. If you cannot speak when calling from a mobile telephone, press 55 when prompted.
URGENT MEDICAL HELP
Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
EMOTIONAL CRISIS
Call Samaritans free on 116 123. The service is available 24 hours a day.
AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
Contact the homelessness team at your local council. You can identify your council at gov.uk/find-local-council.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided as general guidance and may change. Eligibility for benefits, grants and local support depends on individual circumstances. External organisations are responsible for the information and services provided through their websites.