We’re all doing our best to navigate through this ‘Cost of Living Crisis’. It can sometimes feel overwhelming and insurmountable, and like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back.
Everywhere you turn there is an increase in price for things like petrol, groceries and energy bills. Coupling this with the rise in inflation and a mis-match in wages, can leave those struggling to make ends meet.
If you’re anything like me, you’re undoubtedly combing through each of your expenses line-by-line, trying to figure out how to decrease them or cut them out entirely without affecting your quality of life.
Creating a leaner budget is never a bad thing and I would always recommend doing this exercise on a regular basis anyway to make sure you’re not paying for things you don’t really need.
But sometimes we need a little more support.
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Introducing the ‘Help for Households’ campaign
The UK Government’s ‘Help for Households campaign’ is an initiative aimed at those struggling most with the Cost of Living Crisis.
There are over 40 individual measures within the campaign, which are tailored to meet the needs of varying groups of people.
Raising more awareness to this campaign has been a theme for this week over on Instagram. If you missed it, you can catch my post here.
Examples of measures available
Social tariff on broadband
If you are in receipt of government benefits, you could be saving money right now on your monthly broadband and mobile bills by accessing cheaper deals called social tariffs.
Check the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff.
Household support fund
Funding is aimed at the most vulnerable and those who cannot pay for housing costs like energy and water bills, food and essential items.
You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council, and if you do get benefits, they will not be affected.
Local authorities can also issue food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Find out more here: gov.uk/find-local-council
Help with childcare costs
Some of the schemes you may be eligible for:
- Tax-free childcare
- 30 hours free childcare
- 15 hours free childcare
- Child Benefit
- Claim back childcare costs
- Get help with maternity costs
Find out more here: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/
Income support
Some of the schemes you may be eligible for:
- Increasing your pay
- Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit
- Claim Marriage Allowance
- Extra money available for carers
- Get help with savings (Help to Save)
Find out more here: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/income-support/
Help with travel costs
Some of the schemes you may be eligible for:
- Get around by bus for £2
- 50% off travel if you’re on Universal Credit
- Cutting fuel duty
- Bus passes for the elderly and disabled
- Save 1/3rd on rail journeys with a railcard
Find out more here: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/help-with-transport-costs/
Where to go to check eligibility
It’s understandable to feel hesitant or embarrassed about seeking help, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people in the UK are facing similar challenges, and there are resources available to support you.
For more information on the support available and to check eligibility, head on over to gov.uk/helpforhouseholds
The end goal is to try and increase disposable income where possible, so that you aren’t left short. If you’re wanting ideas for ways to increase your income, check out my blog post for 50 WAYS TO EARN EXTRA INCOME. Or for ways to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank, check out my blog post 50 NO SPEND IDEAS.