How to get help with the cost of living
The cost of living crisis is something that has been felt by the majority of households across the UK. With rising energy bills, the cost of food going up and generally everything getting more expensive, many people are feeling the pinch – to the point where sometimes it’s a choice between heating or eating. But there are resources to help you make ends meet. And if you need help there are also plenty of people there willing to give it.
How the rising cost of living is affecting UK households
The rising cost of living is an issue that affects the majority of UK households. Although prices for energy rose the most in April 2022 and fell again, domestic energy prices still remain around 20% higher now than they were in 2021. This paired with a housing crisis, high rent, high food costs and general living expenses means many people are struggling to make ends meet and more people are living paycheck to paycheck.
Government resources and services
If you’re struggling with the cost of living crisis, there are government resources and services in place that may be able to help you make ends meet more easily. Some are government services that are specifically tailored to help the cost of living crisis, whereas other benefits are ones that are not specifically for that purpose but may be able to help you financially. You can take a look at the Government website to see what is available, too.
Welfare benefits
You may be eligible for certain welfare benefits, including Universal Credit to top up your income, Jobseekers Allowance or benefits if you have a certain health condition and need a bit of extra help.
Welfare benefits that are available include:
- Universal Credit: This is replacing 6 other benefits with one payment
- Working and child tax credits: You can get child tax credits if you’re responsible for one child or more
- Pension credit: This can help to top up your pension payments to a minimum income
Housing benefits
Housing benefits can be claimed if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits, of state pension age and living in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation. Housing benefits may help to alleviate the cost of living by paying towards rental costs, which often eat up a large proportion of income.
Council tax reduction
You can apply for a council tax reduction if you’re on a low income or claim benefits, and it could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply whether you rent or own your home or whether you’re unemployed or working. There’s certain criteria depending on where you live, if you live with other adults or children and your household income.
Help with Bills
There may also be support available from the Government to help you pay your bills, if that is proving a problem in the cost of living crisis. There’s help with energy bills, help with phone and broadband and help with water bills. There’s more information on the Government website here.
Community resources
Along with help from friends and family and official Government resources, there’s also plenty of people across the country pulling together to help those who need it most – from food banks to getting your children the right school uniform.
Food banks
Food banks provide essentials for people struggling in food poverty. They often run purely from the help of volunteers and food donations. The Trussell Trust has the biggest network of food banks across the country and you can find your nearest one here.
Local charity organisations
Many local charities help out if you’re struggling during the cost of living crisis too – from emotional support to advice on how to deal with housing problems. Charities like The Salvation Army or Shelter offer a range of beneficial services. You can search which local charities help in your area to find one appropriate.
Online crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is raising money through a group of people – funding as a crowd. If you’re struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis, it’s likely that friends and family will want to help alleviate the situation. You can crowdfund on GoFundMe to help if you’re struggling.
It’s free to start a GoFundMe and easy to share the link around so people can donate at their discretion. It can be hard to ask for help – but there are plenty of people wanting to give it.
How crowdfunding can help cover the cost of living
As we mentioned before, it can be hard to ask for help. But there are plenty of people out there ready and waiting to lend a hand. Take a look below to see some examples.
Peckham Soup Kitchen, Supporting the Community
Peckham Soup Kitchen started fundraising to feed people in the community who needed it during the cost of living crisis. So far they’ve raised more than £10k to help them keep doing the work they are.
Well’s Vineyard Foodbank
Well’s Food Vineyard provides food parcels for families struggling with food poverty. They help people in the community referred to them through Citizen’s Advice or even their GPs. You can read more about Well’s Vineyard Foodbank community fundraiser here.
Start a fundraiser to support those in need
So if you’re struggling with the Cost of Living crisis – or want to help those in your community who are – it couldn’t be easier to start a GoFundMe today. If you’re fundraising for a cause other than your own you can choose a pre-existing charity to donate to so they can continue their good work, too.