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Help to manage the cost of living

Posted on 26 Jul 2022

With rising inflation and increases in energy bills, fuel, food prices, national insurance and more, people are facing the biggest squeeze in household budgets in more than 50 years.

We’re working hard to lend a hand, alongside partner organisations, in helping you find other ways to try and make your income go that little bit further.

There are many local grant schemes that help with funding and other support. Visit the turn2us website and search for funds available in your area.

Food banks

There are a number of community food banks within the town. The Citizen’s Advice Stevenage can refer residents in need to The Foodshed (Stevenage Vineyard).

However, in an emergency, there are two local food hubs which can also assist. It may be worth calling ahead if you are able, just to make sure they can help.

Feed Up, Warm Up - The Stevenage Stadium, Monday 5pm-7pm

Food Rescue – Old Red Lion, Shephall Green, Saturday 9am – 11am

Too Good to Go App

It’s a great way to purchase unsold food at a fraction of the cost from businesses in the local area. Too Good to Go enables you to purchase Surprise Bags filled with delicious food which you can collect at certain times of the day. Well worth a look.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play using the links below

Cost of Living Support

There is lots of information available to support people suffering financial hardship. It’s always worth having a look at the variety of options below, just in case you’ve missed something.

Don’t forget the local Citizen’s Advice Centre in Stevenage have trained staff who will also be able to offer advice and guidance, as well as assisting you with claims where possible.

Millions of people will receive the first of two cost of living instalments, totalling £650 from 14 July 2022 as part of the £1,200 support package this year. The initial instalment is £326 with the rest to follow in the autumn to help ease the cost of living pressures.

There has been a significant increase in scammers attempting to obtain personal information by sending out texts. 

If residents are eligible:

  • they will not need to apply for the payment
  • they will not need to call DWP
  • the payment is automatic
  • DWP will never ask for personal details by SMS or email

 

Older People

Lots of people miss out on extra money they could be getting each week. This can be especially true for older people whose circumstances may have changed. If you, or someone you know, hasn’t checked, it’s worth doing to see what you’re entitled on the Independent Age website

Residents on a low income

Citizens Advice can give you confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. For more information, visit the Stevenage CAB website

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance can help you, or an older relative, who needs care or supervision because of an illness or disability. Visit the Gov.uk website for more information about Attendance Allowance or call the helpline: 0800 731 0122.

Council Tax Support

If you are on a low income, claim benefits or pension age and need financial support could get money off their council tax bill. Use our online calculator to check if you, or someone you know, is eligible.

Tax-free Childcare

Working families in could be missing out on £2,000 a year to help with the cost of childcare. Whether it’s for holiday clubs, breakfast clubs, or childminders and nurseries, Tax-Free Childcare gives working parents a helping hand. This article explains everything you need to know

Maternity Allowance

If you are expecting your first child, you may be eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant

This is a one-off £500 payment, which you do not need to repay. You must claim within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date, or within six months after they are born.

Carers

You could be entitled to extra benefits such as Carer’s Allowance. This is not means tested for carers aged over 16 who look after someone for more than 16 hours a week. More information can be found on GOV.UK

Utility companies have a legal duty to support if you are struggling to pay your bills. Take a look on the Carers First website

 for advice on how to get additional help as a Carer.

You may also be eligible for council tax relief and there are a number of grants available to carers. More information can be found on the Carers First website

For more support and advice in Hertfordshire visit Carers in Herts online

Household bills

The Affinity Water WaterSure scheme works by capping your charges, so additional water usage is not chargeable.Find out if you are eligible and apply online

The Hertfordshire Energy Advice Tool (HEAT) app gives a virtual tour around a typical home and suggests quick and easy actions to help you save money on your bills. Typical savings are upwards of £75 and you can download it free from:

If you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, make sure you have applied for the government’s £150 energy rebate.

Households will get £400 of support with their energy bills through an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. This replaces the £200 announced earlier this year. The £400 payment will now be made as a grant and will not be recovered through higher bills in future years. Households with meters will get the support over 6 months from October 2022. Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account while customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid via a voucher.

Other sources of funding

You may be able to get other kinds of support, including:

Don’t struggle on your own, please remember to get in touch with HertsHelp, there are fully trained, friendly advisors on hand to offer confidential assistance and can put you in touch with helpful services and support locally - call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit the HertsHelp website

You can also find more information on the Hertfordshire County Council Website too

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