Whether you are struggling to pay bills or are concerned about food and rising energy costs we have a range of support available to help you through the current cost of living pressures many people are experiencing.
The Government has a ‘Help for Households’ programme which includes information on discounts, support and offers by national shops and stores.
- Many residents in Wealden are concerned about the cost-of-living pressures facing them and worry about getting food for themselves or their families. If you need help to access food there are a number of local options available.
- Children under 4 – Healthy Start: Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
- Free school meals – Free school meals | East Sussex County Council
- Health in Mind – self referral, support groups, telephone support, workshops, CBT and other therapies
- Sussex Mental Health Line – 24/7 telephone support, listening support, advice and signposting
- Southdowns wellbeing centres – Community based mental health and wellbeing support
- Community Garden – East Hoathly: Safe and nurturing space or those challenged by mental health and physical disabilities.
- SCDA – Low-cost community counselling – self referral
- The Wealden Citizens Advice can give advice on any money / bill worries
- East Sussex County Council’s warm home service check is available all year round, it offers advice and support to anyone who struggles to keep warm at home. If you are on a low income you may also be eligible for a free Covid- secure home visit which would include:
- Advice on getting help to pay for heating
- An assessment on your home to identify how to keep warm
- Small works such as improving insulation or repairing boilers
- Emergency temporary heating.
- The Energy Bills Support Scheme (automatically applied) provides £400 non-repayable discount to all households with a domestic electricity connection to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. This is an automatic discount applied to your monthly household electricity bill. If your home is heated by oil or LPG (or any other alternative fuel) you will receive a further £200 in addition to the £400. This support is paid automatically to anyone with a domestic electricity supply; if you do not have a domestic supply (for instance if you are a tenant and your landlord supplies your electricity through a commercial account) then you may need to apply for this support via Apply for alternative fuel bill support if you do not get it automatically – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- The Warm Home Discount has been increased to £150 off electricity bills for the winter of 2022/2023 and the eligibility criteria will be extended by almost a third and will benefit up to three million vulnerable households. Most households will receive the discount automatically through energy suppliers and a letter confirming their eligibility.
- Many energy companies provide advice and support schemes to assist customers who are struggling with energy cost and energy debt. Try contacting your supplier to ask if they have a support scheme in place.
- Furniture now – low cost second hand furniture and appliances – lower cost for those on certain benefits and very affordable delivery
- It can often be an expensive exercise buying school clothing. Many schools operate second hand clothing schemes or second hand sale events so try contacting your school direct. Alternatively, you can register to join a Uniform swap shop online.
- Perennial is a charity that supports those working in or formally working in the horticulture industry it can provide financial support, advice, advocacy an many other things.
- Turn2us – Benefit calculator, grant checker, financial advice and guidance RE energy bills
- Money Saving Expert – a well known site with lots of hints and tips
- The Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme (DESSS) is in place to provide emergency help in certain situations, it may be able to provide to food or utilities that you need. Your household can usually apply only once in 12 months to receive the support you need. (also utilities)
- Social tariffs from many of the communications companies are available to those struggling to afford broadband or phone services. To find out if you qualify visit ofcom.org.uk for more info
If you are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, you aren’t alone. Millions of households all across the country are finding it hard to pay for everyday items as prices for essentials like food, gas and electricity have rapidly increased.
We have received additional funding from East Sussex County Council through the DWP’s Household Support Fund.
The funding is limited and will close on 31st March 2023 or when the fund has been exhausted (whichever is sooner).
The eligibility is different for this scheme to previous Household Support Funding so please ensure that you read and meet the eligibility criteria before making an application.
The links below should help you find out if you can pay less for your costs of living and find out about any extra help that might be available:
- Are you struggling to afford your existing accommodation? If so you may be eligible for social housing: Applying for Social Housing to Rent
- If you are over 60 and have savings/equity you may be eligible for our Retirement Living Leasehold properties (where you can buy a share in a property if you cannot afford the full market value): Retirement Living
- Do you need housing advice or assistance? You will find lots of useful information here: Housing Advice and Assistance
- Warm Spaces are free to use and will provide a warm welcome to all. Some venues will also offer hot drinks, activities, and other services such as offering information and advice. Warm Spaces will be heated, safe, friendly, and neutral places.
- East Sussex County Council’s warm home service check is available all year round, it offers advice and support to anyone who struggles to keep warm at home. If you are on a low income you may also be eligible for a free Covid- secure home visit which would include:
- Advice on getting help to pay for heating
- An assessment on your home to identify how to keep warm
- Small works such as improving insulation or repairing boilers
- Emergency temporary heating.
- The Brighton Housing Trust provides specialist housing advice, financial and benefit advice, mental health and wellbeing support.
Stagecoach bus users in the south east are able to benefit from three months of bus fares of no more than £2 for a single journey as part of the Department for Transport’s new fares initiative.
All Stagecoach’s local bus services across Kent and East Sussex will offer a maximum fare of just £2 for any single journey between 1 January and 31 March 2023.
All adult and child single tickets on eligible routes will be capped at £2, with any single tickets previously cheaper than this remaining the same price.
For more information, please visit the Stagecoach website