How to get help with the cost of living in the UK
The cost of living crisis is something that has been felt by the majority of households across the UK. With rising energy bills, the cost of food going up and generally everything getting more expensive, many people are feeling the pinch – to the point where sometimes it’s a choice between heating or eating. But there are resources to help you make ends meet. And if you need help there are also plenty of people there willing to give it. Start a GoFundMe today to help with cost of living causes.
Government resources and services
If you’re struggling with the cost of living crisis, there are government resources and services in place that may be able to help you make ends meet more easily.
Welfare benefits
You may be eligible for certain welfare benefits, including Universal Credit to top up your income, Jobseekers Allowance or benefits if you have a certain health condition and need a bit of extra help. You can check if you’re eligible for any benefits here.
Housing benefits
Housing benefits are also offered by the Government and can help you pay rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. You can check to see if you qualify for housing benefits here.
Council tax reduction
You can apply for a council tax reduction if you’re on a low income or claim benefits, and it could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply whether you rent or own your home or whether you’re unemployed or working. There’s certain criteria depending on where you live, if you live with other adults or children and your household income. You can get more information here.
Help with bills
There may also be support available from the Government to help you pay your bills, if that is proving a problem in the cost of living crisis. There’s help with energy bills, help with phone and broadband and help with water bills. There’s more information on the Government website here.
Community resources
Along with help from friends and family and official Government resources, there’s also plenty of people across the country pulling together to help those who need it most – from food banks to getting your children the right school uniform.
Food banks
Food banks provide essentials for people struggling in food poverty. They often run purely from the help of volunteers and food donations. The Trussell Trust has the biggest network of food banks across the country and you can find your nearest one here.
Local charity organisations
Many local charities help out if you’re struggling during the cost of living crisis too – from emotional support to advice on how to deal with housing problems. Charities like The Salvation Army or Shelter offer a range of beneficial services. You can search which local charities help in your area to find one appropriate.
Online crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can also help if you’re struggling to make ends meet – and plenty of organisations also start crowdfunders to help others. Sharing a link with friends or family may be easier than outright asking for help if you’re struggling and plenty of people want to help loved ones if they can.
Peckham Soup Kitchen, Supporting the Community
Peckham Soup Kitchen started fundraising to feed people in the community who needed it during the cost of living crisis. So far they’ve raised more than £8k to help them keep doing the work they are.
Well’s Vineyard Foodbank
Well’s Food Vineyard provides food parcels for families struggling with food poverty. They help people in the community referred to them through Citizen’s Advice or even their GPs. You can read more about Well’s Vineyard Foodbank community fundraiser here.
Start a fundraiser to support those in need
So if you’re struggling with the Cost of Living crisis – or want to help those in your community who are – it couldn’t be easier to start a GoFundMe today. If you’re fundraising for a cause other than your own you can choose a pre-existing charity to donate to so they can continue their good work, too.