Cost of Living Advice
Many households across the Anglia Revenues Partnership area are struggling to make their income stretch to cover the rising cost of living.
Make the most of the advice and support on offer to help you reduce your rising bills or increase your income to help cover the stretch.
Income and Benefits
Benefit checker
You might be able to claim benefits or increase your current benefits if you’re:
- of working age and on a low income
- sick or disabled
- of State Pension age and on a low income
- a carer
- responsible for children
You can check what benefits you can get. If you need help to do this contact citizen’s advice.
Support with Rent
If you are on a low income and need help with your rent, you can apply for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Most Working Age people will need to apply for Universal Credit.
Housing Benefit should only be claimed if you are Pension Age or living in Supported or Local Authority placed Temporary Accommodation. Rules regarding Supported Accommodation can be complex. Contact your Local Authority if you are unsure if this applies to you.
If you are already receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit including the Housing Element and you are struggling with your housing costs, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment
Did you know that if you didn’t meet the criteria for a Council Tax Energy Rebate automatic award, you may also be eligible to apply for a Discretionary award
Help with Council Tax
If you have a low income and need help with your Council Tax bill, you may be entitled to a Local Council Tax Reduction
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill and you are already in receipt of Local Council Tax Reduction you can apply for a Discretionary Exceptional Hardship Payment
Visit our discounts and exemptions page to find out about other reductions and discounts you may be entitled to and how to apply. You can Log in or register for an online account to check your bill or apply online.
Local support
Your local Council has a range of support to offer including assistance through the Household Support Fund, information on food banks and Housing Support including homelessness prevention. Find out more about what they have to offer by visiting:
- Breckland Council - Inspiring Communities
- East Cambridgeshire District Council - Community advice
- East Suffolk Council Community advice. East Suffolk want to help you Ease the Squeeze.
- Fenland District Council - Cost of living support
- West Suffolk - Cost of living
Local Voluntary and Charitable organisations have been working together to help people affected by the rising cost of living:
- Making Money Count is available for East Cambridgeshire District and Fenland District Council residents, offering everyday help with money, being online, finding work and renting.
National support
Help for Households
Visit the Governments Cost of Living Support website for support for households with their:
- Income
- Bills
- Childcare costs
- Housing
- Transport
- Finding work
Support with energy bills
- Money Saving Expert - Cost of living crisis help
- Anglian Water - Extra Care Support
- British Gas Energy Trust
- Debt Advice Line
- EDF - How we’re helping our customers who are most in need
Financial Support
Seek out advice regarding any debt you have and consider a money health check with an advice organisation. Advice organisations can help you switch to better value deals and subscriptions and access any support funding available.
Contact the Citizens Advice for help, or
Age UK - advice and information including money matters for older people
Money Helper - free and impartial advice about money
National Debt line - advice about how to deal with debt
Step Change Debt Charity - advice specifically about debt and how to manage it
Free School Meals
Your children may be entitled to free school meals if you are on a low income, find out more and apply by following the link to your county:
Free school meals in Cambridgeshire