Financial support

Claiming all you're entitled to? If you're not sure if you're eligible for, you can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. More information on benefits calculators.

Energy bills

As of 1 October 2022, the Energy Price Guarantee has meant a typical UK household will now pay up to an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill until April 2023. This is automatic and applies to all households.

Energy Bills Support Scheme - Homes in England will receive a £400 discount on their electricity bill to help with rising costs from October 2022 onwards.

Ways to reduce your energy bills - Get advice and support for paying energy bills and grants that may be available for you.

Council tax

Council tax discount and exemptions - Find out if you could receive a discount or exemption for council tax.

Council tax support - Learn more about ways we can help you pay your council tax bill.

Discretionary housing payments - Already getting Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit but it’s not enough to cover your rent? You may be eligible for extra help.

Benefits and cost of living payments

Universal Credit - Universal Credit is a benefit for people of working age who are on a low income or out of work.

Housing Benefit - Housing Benefit has been replaced by Universal Credit. Those of pension age can claim housing benefit. Find out if you could be eligible.

Household support fund - Funding provided to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need. Applications are limited to one per household. Applications to the scheme opened on 8th January 2024. More information can be found on Household Support Fund.

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.

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - a £300 payment that will be paid with Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioner households across the UK.

Disability Cost of Living Payment - a £150 payment for those on an eligible UK disability benefit, in September.

Personal Independence Payment - help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and find it difficult doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.

Other support

Carers Allowance - financial support for those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

The Royal British Legion is inviting members of the Armed Forces community struggling with their fuel bills to apply for new emergency energy top up grants of up to £200 per month (£2,400 a year). The Everyday Needs Grants do not have to be paid back. If you're receiving any means-tested state benefits, such as universal credit, pension credit or income support, you should qualify automatically. But you could still be eligible for a grant even if you don't get any benefits – the Royal British Legion will check your income and expenditure to assess your needs.

Clockwise Credit Union - a range of financial products and services for Leicestershire residents and communities.

Stop Loan Sharks - investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK.