There are a range of schemes and services available to help reduce your household costs and manage your money.
Find out more about the government’s cost of living support, including income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
Food and essentials
If you are struggling to afford food, there are several local foodbanks, community meals and pantries that can help.
Lidl offers great value fruit and veg boxes for £1.50. These are usually available daily, but sell out, so get there early.
Mobile phones and broadband
If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support, you may be eligible for a social tariff, to cut the cost of your broadband
If you can’t afford the cost of your broadband or mobile phone, Money Saving Expert can tell you how to get a better deal.
Money and debt advice
More great ideas for saving money and being a smart shopper can be found on Money Saving Expert
For help and advice on ways to save money, call Advice Portsmouth on 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk.
If gambling is affecting you, or those close to you, get free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support from GamCare – call 0808 8020 133, or use their free self-help resources.
If you borrowed money that you could not afford to repay because of problems with gambling, you may be entitled to a refund. This guide from Debt Camel explains what you can do.
Childcare costs
For help with childcare costs see the government advice. For more advice contact our family information service on 023 9268 8830 or fis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Low-cost travel
Here are some ideas for cutting down on transport costs:
- check the costs of buying and running a car
- buy an affordable bike
- see if you can get discount travel card for jobseekers
- if you are receiving health care, you may qualify for help with travel costs – NHS
Help with energy bills
Make sure you’re not paying more than you need to on bills and everyday costs, like gas, electricity and everyday essentials
Find out how you can save energy at home on the Switched On Portsmouth website. If you need help to switch supplier, call the freephone helpline on 0800 260 5907.
You can also use price comparison site to see if you can save money on your energy bills. For bill calculators and comparison deals, visit Compare the Market.
If you can’t afford to pay your bill or top up your meter, see advice from Ofgem. They also have Warm homes discount – help with your electricity bill during the winter.
If you are struggling to pay your water bills, visit the support pages for Portsmouth Water and Southern Water.
Contact LEAP to request an energy and money saving advice appointment. You can book online or ring freephone 0800 060 7567.
Help to keep your home warm
Private sector tenants and homeowners
If your landlord is not doing enough to maintain your home, or if you own your own home but cannot afford to bring it up to a decent standard – contact the private sector housing team on 023 9268 8369 or at psh@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for advice.
Portable electric heaters can be loaned for short-term emergencies – phone 023 9268 8369 or email housing.privatesector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Council tenants
If you’re struggling with energy costs or keeping your home warm, contact your local housing office. They can check whether any improvements are needed to your home, and give advice about your bills.
Housing association tenants
Contact your housing association customer service team and ask about help to make your home more energy efficient.
Priority Services Register
You may be able to join your energy supplier’s free Priority Services Register if you meeting one of the following criteria:
- are aged 66 years old or over
- have a long term disability or health condition
- are considered vulnerable for another reason
Contact your energy company know to be added to their Priority Services Register. It provides extra support during power cuts and other emergencies.
If you are a homeowner and you meet one of the following criteria:
- are registered for Priority Services
- have children under five and receive certain benefits
You can cntact your gas supplier for a free annual gas safety check.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 payment towards electricity costs.
You may be eligible if you:
- receive Pension Credit
- are on a low income and meet the scheme criteria
Most people do not need to apply. If you think you’re eligible and have not been contacted by your electricity supplier during autumn or winter, contact them directly.
Find out more about the Warm Home Discount on Ofgem’s website.
Other help and advice
If you have a spare room, you could get tax-free income from a lodger. Find out about the Rent a Room Scheme on GOV.UK.
Don’t miss out on your free TV licence if you are over 75 and on pension credit.
Save on the cost of smoking, by quitting or switching to e-cigarettes. Our wellbeing service can help.