The high expense of living in the UK impacts a large number of working parents and carers. If you are having difficulty paying your domestic expenses, the following information about possible financial aid may be helpful.

Check Benefits Entitlement

Determine first whether you are eligible for any benefits. The government provides additional financial assistance contingent on your receipt of particular benefits. A benefits calculator available online is the most expedient way to determine eligibility for benefits.

Possible Advantages for Employed Parents and Carers

Depending on your circumstances, if you are a working parent or carer who is not already receiving financial assistance, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Child Benefit
  • Scottish Child Payment (exclusive to Scotland)
  • Universal Credit
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Pension Credit
  • New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • New-Style Employment and Support Allowance

If you are a carer, please consult our pages for information on what you may be eligible for if you provide care for a child or adult with a disability.

Programmes for Cost of Living Assistance

The government has announced a number of programmes to assist families with escalating living expenses. The following instruction outlines the financial aid that Consumer Rights is aware of at this time.

Energy Bills Support Scheme

Beginning in October 2022, households will receive a £400 non-repayable grant to help pay their gas and electricity bills. The money will be paid in installments over a period of six months, not in a lump quantity.

Other Support for Energy Bills

You may be eligible for additional help with your energy expenditures. Citizens Advice or the Money Helper service can provide assistance if you are having trouble paying your energy bills and need additional guidance such as: 

  • Warm Homes Rebate Fuel Voucher Cold Weather Compensations
  • Grants for Reimbursing Energy Obligations
  • Refund of Local Tax

In 2022, the majority of residents in bands A to D will receive a non-refundable £150 council tax rebate. You don’t need to apply, as it will be granted automatically by your municipality.

⚠️ ECO4 has closed to new applications — here’s the help you can get nowECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.

Access to ECO4 funding:

If you receive one of the listed benefits below, you could qualify for ECO4 funding through Consumer Rights, which can help reduce your annual energy bills and increase the warmth of your home.

If you receive any of the following means-tested benefits, you could gain access to government funding:

  • Income based job seekers allowance
  • Income related employment and support allowance
  • Income support
  • Pension credit guarantee credit
  • Working tax credit
  • Child tax credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing benefit
  • Pension credit savings credit
  • Child benefit (with dependencies)

Local Government Assistance

The local government may be able to assist you with your living expenses. The assistance available depends on your circumstances and geographic location. 

Additional Assistance and Benefits

You may be qualified for additional benefits. Some alternatives include:

  • Various Housing Payment
  • Assistance with Medical Costs
  • Free educational meals
  • Help with School Uniform Costs
  • Financial Assistance for Landline Telephone and Broadband
  • General Grants
  • Food Banks
  • Childcare Benefits
  • You may be eligible for assistance with childcare costs, allowing you to increase your work hours or return to the work
  • Free child care for children under 2
  • Free child care for three– and four-year-olds

Other Support for Childcare Expenses

From 2020, the National Living Wage will be £9.50 per hour. You can review government regulations to ensure that your employer is paying you appropriately.

Influence of COVID-19 on Financial Support Programmes

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for financial assistance. The government has implemented a variety of assistance programmes to assist families in overcoming the financial difficulties caused by the pandemic. Due to the ongoing circumstance, it is essential to remain informed about any changes to benefits or assistance programmes.

Nonprofit Organisations and Charities

Families who are struggling due to the cost of living are assisted by a number of nonprofits and nongovernmental organisations. These organisations consist of:

Effective financial management can help you deal with the elevated cost of living. Here are some budgeting guidelines for families:

  • Come up with a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses.
  • Prioritise necessities such as rent, utilities, and sustenance.
  • Reduce non-essential expenditures like entertainment and eating out.
  • Plan and prepare meals beforehand to save money on groceries.
  • When purchasing, look for sales, discounts, and coupons.
  • By implementing energy-saving measures in your residence, you can save money on utilities.
  • Put money aside for emergencies and unplanned expenses.