Other financial support

Find out what other help may be available to you and where to get support.

Help for households

The government is running a campaign to help households with the cost of living. Find out about the Cost of Living Payment, and get energy saving tips and other support at helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk. 

Bills and winter payments

• The Big Difference Scheme - can give people on low incomes big discounts off their Severn Trent Water bill. 
• Cold weather payments - you may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits or support for mortgage interest.
• Household support fund - you may be referred by us to get help with food and bills (electric, gas and water).
• Royal British Legion grants - those who have served, or are serving, in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, as well as their families, dependants and carers can apply for the cost of living grant.

Childcare and food

• Free school meals - Find out if your child qualifies for benefits-related free school meals and how to apply.
• Stocking Farm Community Shop - buy food at deeply discounted prices, join a cook club - kids eat free and you can join in other programmes and activities
• Healthy Start offers vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables if you’re pregnant or have a child under four.
• SureStart maternity grants are one-off payments of £500 to help with the cost of having a child.
• Tax-free childcare - You could be entitled up to £500 towards childcare.

Broadband and phone packages

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Find out if you qualify, how to apply and a list of available tariffs on the Ofcom website.

Funeral

• Funeral payments are available if you are struggling to pay funeral costs.

Legal

• Legal aid can help pay for legal advice, family mediation and representation in court.

Medical and travel

• Help with NHS medical and dental costs for people on low incomes.
• Travel costs if you are out of work.
• Prison visiting costs - staying in touch with someone in prison.

Clockwise credit union

The credit union offers safe savings and affordable loans to anyone living or working in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. You can find out more about joining on the Clockwise website.

Beware of loan sharks

A loan shark is someone who lends money without legal permission. Loan sharks charge very high interest rates and rarely, if ever, give any paperwork. This is illegal but it is common practice. If you have one of these loans you can get help.

The illegal money lending team can help you end all your debts to a loan shark. If someone is not authorised to lend money you can report them using the link below.