Cost of Living

With the cost of living rising, it’s important to know what support there is for carers. We have collated some information and links to organisations that we hope you will find helpful.

There are various benefits for carers and the person being cared for, such as Carer’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Attendance Allowance. See Benefits for carers and cared for person for more information.

Energy Bills Support Scheme Discount

Households across Great Britain will receive £400 discount on their energy bills this winter. This is a non-repayable discount. The discount will be paid over 6 months with payments starting from October 2022. For more information, see Getting the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount – gov.uk.

Cost of Living Payment

If you or the person you care for receives certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, PIP or Attendance Allowance) or are over State Pension age and get Winter Fuel Payments, you may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living. For more information, see Cost of Living Payment – gov.uk.

Winter Fuel Payment

Once you reach State Pension age, you could receive a Winter Fuel Payment of between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. If you are eligible you should automatically start getting this, however in some cases you may need to apply. The Winter Fuel Payment includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. For more information, see Winter Fuel Payment – gov.uk. 

Help from your energy supplier

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, speak to your energy provider as they must offer payment plans you can afford. If you use a prepay meter and cannot top up, you can ask for emergency credit.

Water Bills

Water companies have schemes to help you if you are struggling to pay, or have fallen behind in paying your water bill. For more information, see Water Schemes – turn2us.

Council Tax Payments
Residents in Buckinghamshire can choose to pay their 2023-2024 Council Tax in 12 monthly instalments, instead of the standard 10 instalments. To take advantage of this option, all residents need to do is complete and submit their online form by Saturday 15 April.
 
“Buckinghamshire Council understands that the current cost of living pressures can be challenging, and this flexible payment option is designed to help residents manage their finances more effectively and conveniently,” said John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources. “By spreading the cost of Council Tax over 12 months, residents can better plan their monthly expenses and hopefully help avoid any financial difficulties.”
 
So, if you’re looking for a more manageable way to pay your Council Tax in the next financial year – which starts in April 2023 – then you might want to consider opting for Buckinghamshire Council’s 12-month instalment plan. Requesting this payment option is simple and straightforward, just complete and submit the council’s online form.

Buckinghamshire Council has lots of useful information if you’re struggling to afford or access food. See Help buying or accessing food – Buckinghamshire Council.

Buckinghamshire Council has lots of information for local and national help with the cost of living. For more information, see Help with the cost of living – Buckinghamshire Council.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is funded by the Department for Education and provides free holiday activities and a healthy hot meal for children in Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. See Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme – Buckinghamshire Council.

Gov.uk

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Bucks

Money Saving Expert

Turn2Us

Mobilise

Helping Hands Team – Buckinghamshire Council

Leap

Cost of Living Crisis Support Buckinghamshire – Facebook Group by Citizens Advice Bucks

Christians Against Poverty

Please note that Carers Bucks doesn’t accept responsibility for the content of any external organisations.