Cost of Living Information and Support

There are many sources of support from both local and national organisations. Here are some key agencies that are recommended by Wiltshire Council:

Local support – click on the links for more information.

Advice Local: find local advice services in your area

Advicelocal

 

Community Directory

Interactive Community Directory – Wiltshire Council

 

Council tax, benefits and financial support

Council tax, benefits and financial support – Wiltshire Council

 

Energy costs advice and guidance

Energy costs advice and guidance – Wiltshire Council

 

Housing information and support

Housing information and support – Wiltshire Council

 

Mental Health support

Mental Health support – Wiltshire Council

 

Local Practical Help

Local practical help – Wiltshire Council

 

Supporting businesses

Supporting businesses through the rising cost of living – Wiltshire Council

 

Warm spaces

Wiltshire Council warm spaces – Wiltshire Council

 

National Advice and Information Support Services

Citizens Advice: free, independent and confidential financial advice

Search for your local Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice

 

EntitledTo: benefit calculator to make sure families are getting the support they are entitled to

Benefits Calculator – entitledto – independent | accurate | reliable

 

The Money Advice Service: Government website offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of money, benefits, debt and investments.

Benefits | MoneyHelper

 

Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert: Martin Lewis’ free site saves you money on Credit Cards, Shopping, Energy & more. Consumer champion. Money saving guides. Fighting your corner. Easy to Use.

Money Saving Expert: Energy Help, Credit Cards, Flight Delays, Shopping and more

 

Shelter: free support from expert housing advisers

Get help from Shelter – Shelter England

 

BBC i-player: There are lots of money-related tips on this programme on BBC i-player. Topics have included surviving debt, tips for rented housing, coping with cost of living rises, avoiding scams & fraud calls, applying for benefits & much more.

BBC Radio 4 – Money Box – Available now

 

NHS Low Income Scheme: If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help depending on your weekly income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments you have at the time you apply

NHS Low Income Scheme | NHSBSA

 

The home energy scheme: Energy and cost saving actions which could help reduce bills

Energy saving tips to save money – Help for Households

 

Support for your family and school

Parents can claim ‘Pupil Premium’ support for children (referred to as Free School Meals FSM) if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit – if applying on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax & not including any benefits you get)

This entitles your child to free school meals, beyond EYFS and KS1 where this provision is universal, as well as a wide range of additional support for your child (academic, cost of the school day support and wellbeing)

Information for parents about access and benefits of claiming FSM can be found at: Free school meals – Wiltshire Council

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Food vouchers may also be available through the Household Support Fund.

Please ask the school for support if you have any questions about your entitlement or application.

 

Cost Of Living Guide for Parents and Carers from Wiltshire Council