Help with the cost of living

Find help with food, energy bills and essential costs if you're struggling.

If you're finding it hard to pay for essentials, there's help available. You do not need to be getting benefits for most of it.

Household Support Fund

We can give vouchers or payments to help with food, energy and water bills, and essentials like clothing and bedding.

Apply for the Household Support Fund

Help with food

  • Food banks in Knowmoor town centre, Highfold and Brackenmoor give emergency food parcels. You'll need a referral from us, your doctor or a support worker.
  • If your child is at school, check if they can get free school meals.
  • If you're pregnant or have a child under 4, you may get Healthy Start payments for milk, fruit and vegetables.

Help with energy bills

Contact your energy supplier if you're struggling to pay. They must offer you help, such as a payment plan. You may also get the Warm Home Discount.

Check you're getting everything you're entitled to

Use an independent benefits calculator, or get free money and debt advice.