Cost of living - help and support
With the cost of living on the rise, it is causing significant financial pressures and budgets are being squeezed.
It can be overwhelming to search through what is on offer and to find what you need. The information below provides local information for Allerdale residents on a range of helpful topics.
You might feel worried or find yourself in a position you have never experienced before, but please don't wait for your problems to get worse, there are many local organisations that can help.
Take a look at Cumbria County Councils - Cost of Living Support leaflet for all of the latest guidance Cost of living booklet
There is also a free welfare helpline that offers help and emergency support with basics and essentials, for people struggling to cope with their current situation. Call 0800 783 1966 or visit Ways to Welfare .
The latest resources from the government and other organisations
The government has announced further support with the cost of living for 2023/24.
This includes:
£900 cost of living payment in three instalments for those on means tested benefits.
£150 disability payment.
£300 payment for pensioners.
Visit the help for households advice page from the government for all of the latest guidance on:
- Income support
- Help with energy bills
- Help with childcare costs
- Housing support
- Help with transport costs
- Help finding work
There is also help and information on the Cumbria County Council website.
Benefit and council tax support
Benefits may be provided to those who are on low income or are unemployed, carers, sick or disabled. Check if you are eligible for any benefits by using the benefit calculator .
Those who receive benefits may be entitled to receive an extra £650 from the government. Information on who is eligible, and how to claim, can be found on the government website .
You may also be entitled to help with paying your council tax.
Help with finances
Citizens Advice Allerdale can help with debt issues, benefit claims, legal issues, and energy advice. Call 01900 604735 or contact them by email .
Visit our money advice and support page .
Visit Cumbria County Council's Cost of Living Support page.
To reduce credit payments, the West Cumbria Credit Union may be able to help.
Visit our budget advice page for further guidance.
Help with food
If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family there are organisations that can help.
If you think your child may be eligible to receive free school meals and school clothing vouchers, please contact the Cumbria County Council Service Centre on 01228 606060 .
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Find out more at Healthy Start .
Help with travel
We offer a Low-pay car park permit. If you are on a low income you can get a permit for the town you work in through MiPermit. These are priced at very reasonable rates. To find out more visit our car park permit page.
You may be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card if you’re on Universal Credit. To find out more visit the National Rail website .
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. Apply for an older person's bus pass.
If you’re disabled then you may be eligible for a disabled person’s pass if you live in England. Apply for a disabled person's bus pass.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
In October 2022, the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme will supply households with a £400 grant towards energy payments.
All households with a domestic electricity connection will be automatically eligible for the scheme - it does not need to be repaid.
Affordable warmth schemes
There a number of schemes and other support available to help you save money on your heating bills, make your home more energy efficient and additional support for vulnerable residents.
More information is available on the affordable warmth page.
Warm spots
A Warm Spot offers a warm, welcoming space for people to visit this winter if they need it. They are run by a range of different organisations including churches, village halls, local councils and libraries. Find details of Warm Spots near you on Cumbria County Council's webpage.
