Cost of living support

Cost of living support

We understand that these are difficult times, and many of us are feeling the effects of rising energy bills, food prices and rent or mortgage payments. Support is available if you are struggling with the cost of living. We’ve put together a cost of living checklist and support guides providing information and checks households struggling with the cost of living can do to help support your household.

If you want to speak to someone in person about what help is available, you can drop into one of our Healthy Hubs in the district. We offer signposting and advice around health and well-being, debt and budgeting, jobs and skills, housing, and energy bills.

Hertfordshire County Council have collated a list of helpful resources to assist with the cost of living as well as advice from the money advice unit.

You can also view the government’s Help for Households campaign for information on help with housing costs, heating bills, childcare costs and other ways to support your income. Or, you can contact Three Rivers Citizens Advice for free and confidential advice about your situation.

If you are in a crisis, The Hertfordshire welfare assistance scheme provides support to help Hertfordshire residents facing an immediate financial crisis. If you need help and don't know where to turn, contact Herts Help where trained advisors offer free, confidential assistance. They can put you in touch with relevant services and local support.

Cost of living checklist

1. First things to check

• If you are employed, check that you're getting the right amount from your employment: Check the national minimum wage calculator
• Check when your employer can make deductions from your pay
• Check you’re paying the right amount of tax
• If you're married and on a low income apply for the marriage allowance
• If you're registered blind apply for blind person’s allowance
• Check if you can get tax relief on things that are essential for your job

2. Check to make sure you’re not one of up to 7m people in the UK missing out on income-related state benefits

• Use a free benefits calculator
• Check the full list of benefits
• Seek advice or help with applications:
  Citizens Advice Three Rivers  for one-to-one help
  Age UK Hertfordshire Information and Advice Line on 0300 345 3446 or email info@ageukherts.org.uk
  For those with living with a Learning Disability, their families and carers - Watford Mencap Advice and Information Service 01923 713620 or email advice@watfordmencap.org.uk

3. If you’re over state pension age check whether you’re eligible for pension credit

• Around a third of eligible pensioners are missing out
• Find out if you’re eligible using the pension credit calculator
• Call (0800 99 1234)
• Pension credit can provide access to help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV licences
• You may also be eligible for attendance allowance

4. If you're a parent check to see if you can get additional help with costs

• Over a million families are missing out on childcare costs
• See if you can get help with school costs
• Support for lone parents to set up child maintenance (0800 171 2345)

5. If you're struggling with housing costs check if you can get help

• If you pay rent check whether you're entitled to the housing element of universal credit or housing benefit
• Discretionary housing payments may be able to cover a shortfall in your rent for a short-term period
• Get support with mortgage interest - for people entitled to some benefits
• Struggling to pay your mortgage? Find support at MoneyHelper
• Worried about homelessness? Get housing advice or speak to a Housing officer at your local healthy hub.
• You can also access additional help and support from the following independent organisations:
  Housing Associations
  Shelter
  Citizens Advice
  New Hope Trust
  Herts Young Homeless

6. Check whether you're eligible for council tax support

7. Check whether you or your family may be entitled to benefits for those experiencing illness or disability

• Personal independence payment (PIP) and disability living allowance (DLA) aren't means-tested. The assessment considers the way that your health conditions affect your daily living and mobility needs
• Receiving these benefits may increase entitlement to other benefits such as council tax support
• Seek advice if you're already claiming a disability benefit such as DLA for adults, as your award will stop if you claim PIP instead
• If you’re too unwell to work, you may be entitled to new-style employment and support allowance and/or universal credit with limited capability for work or work-related activity
• If you require advice and help on any of the above benefits related to an individual living with learning difficulties  please contact Watford Mencap Advice and Information Service 01923 713620 or email advice@watfordmencap.org.uk
• Grants for people with disabilities

8. If you're a carer, you may be entitled to carer’s allowance and/or an extra amount called the ‘carer element’ within universal credit

• Visit Carers UK for more information on the help available to carers
• Information advice and support for unpaid carers can be found at Carers in Herts
• Hertfordshire Carers Support

9. Work out how much money you have coming in and going out

Think about where your money is going:

• Fill in a budget planner
• Follow Money Saving Expert’s guide on how to do a money makeover

10. Reduce your energy costs and get help with other bills

• Check tips and advice to help reduce energy costs and support with household bills here.
• Check whether you're entitled to free prescriptions (0300 330 1343) or if a prepayment certificate could cut costs
• Check whether you are entitled to help with transport costs

11. Get help with food

Visit Food Bank Support Information if you’re struggling to afford enough food for information about foodbanks, local food project and other support

12. Contact The Hertfordshire welfare assistance scheme to see if you can help with essential living costs

13. If you need to borrow money, find out the best credit option for your situation

• Be careful to look out for loan sharks. Call 0300 555 2222 to safely report a loan shark
• Payday loans are an expensive way to borrow!
• Safe borrowing tips
• Contact a local 'credit union' for savings and short-term loans:
  Watford Credit Union
  HertSavers Credit Union

14. If you’re in debt, seek advice early rather than letting things spiral out of control

• Find out the difference between priority and non-priority debts. Work out which debts to deal with first
• Citizens advice help with debt
• There are local and national organisations which can help:
  Citizens Advice Three Rivers
  Hertfordshire Money Advice Unit
  StepChange (0800 138 1111)
  National Debtline (0808 808 4000)

15. The stress of worrying about money can take its toll on our health and wellbeing. Talk to someone if you're worried about your mental health...

• Find out about mental health and wellbeing support across the district
• Visit TogetherAll, a free online community for Hertfordshire residents
• Find other mental health services across Hertfordshire

16. Other help that is available...

• If you need help with period products, there's support and free products available through Hertfordshire WasteAware. Scroll down their webpage and select the green button 'are you struggling to afford period products? Support is available here'.

Help with housing

Housing costs

If you are unemployed and struggling with housing costs, you can apply for Universal Credit.

You will still need to apply for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply to you:

• you are a state pensioner
• you are living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

You can use the benefits calculator to work out what benefits you may be eligible for

You may also be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if you need extra help paying your rent on top of your Housing Benefit.

Struggling to pay your rent or mortgage

If you are struggling with your rent or mortgage, in rent arrears or threatened with eviction, you can get support from our Housing Advisory Service. We provide advice and assistance to help you stay in your home.

Help with paying your Council Tax

If you cannot afford to pay your Council Tax, first check whether you are entitled to a discount or exception. If you are still struggling, you can apply for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Help with money and debt

Household Support Fund

To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire has been provided with funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food. We are working with a range of partners across the county to make sure we can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.

Residents are not able to apply directly to the local authority for the Household Support Fund, however, if you need help or support you can call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044  or visit the Citizens Advice Service in Three Rivers who may be able to help. If support is available, it will be based on your current situation and we may ask a few questions about your financial situation.

If you are in crisis, the Hertfordshire welfare assistance scheme provides support to help Hertfordshire residents facing an immediate financial crisis.

Benefits calculators

• You can check if you are eligible for benefits on the entitled to website.
• You can also use the Pension credit calculator and find out more about Universal Credit here.

Other support

• Citizens Advice can work with you to sort out any debt worries and help you claim the benefits you may be entitled to. They can help with housing and employment problems, or deal with queries about consumer or tax issues. They can advise on family and personal matters too.
• Stepchange provides free, confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance. They can recommend the best solution for your circumstances. Their advice is free of charge and they can help to support you get back on track.
• Get free and impartial help with money on MoneyHelper.
• Hertfordshire County Council offers help with applying for benefits and where to go for money advice. Their Money Advice Unit can help with information on care costs, benefits and advice on how to claim.
• HertsHelp can help with emergency loans, grants, food, clothing and furniture schemes if you are in extreme need. They offer a free crisis helpline to get support in difficult times.
• HertsHelp Community Navigators can organise home visits and help you access the support you need

Help with energy and utility bills

Energy bills

• Check if you could reduce your energy bills following these ten quick tips
• If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as you can. Suppliers must work with you to agree a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. You can also ask for an ‘emergency credit’ if you use a prepay meter and can’t top up.

Three Rivers Home Energy Support Service

The Three Rivers Home Energy Support Scheme can support you to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your energy bills by providing information, advice and possible financial support.

The service is available to all households, regardless of income, by calling 0800 107 0044 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, by emailing bhbh@nef.org.uk or by going online at www.bhbh.org.uk.

Energy clinics

Visit an Energy Clinic at your local Healthy Hub

Winter fuel payments

In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.

This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of between £150 and £300. This will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

Find out more about Cold Weather payment

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill.

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme on GOV.UK

Energy supplier grants

Your energy supplier may offer grants if you are falling into debt with them. Find your supplier below to see if you can apply.

• British Gas Energy Trust - available to anyone, you do not have to be a British Gas customer
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund
• Ovo Energy Fund
• ON Energy Fund
• ON Next Energy Fund
• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’
• Boost Power Energy Bills Support Fund

If your supplier is not listed:

Charis have partnered with UK energy companies to support households through the Let’s Talk Energy Fund.

HEAT App

Download the Hertfordshire Energy Advice Tool App to see where you can save energy and make savings at home.

• Download from Google Play
• Download from the App Store

Private tenants

Check your property is maintained to a decent standard and is safe and warm

Water Bills

If you receive certain benefits, have a high water usage and use a meter, you may be able to apply for the WaterSure scheme to help you with your water bills. Read more on Citizens Advice and contact your supplier to check eligibility.

You may be entitled to a rebate on your water bill if you are a customer of certain water suppliers. This is because some water companies have missed Ofwat targets and have been told to return money to customers. If you are affected, your water bills will be reduced from 6 April next year.

Affinity Water

Households earning below £18,725 can apply for discount on their water bill through Affinity Water Low-Income Fixed Tariff (LIFT). Affinity Water also has a number of options for those struggling to pay their water bill – Get help with paying your bill

Broadband and phone - Social Tariffs

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Further details can be found on the Ofcom website.

Herts Help

Hertshelp can support you if you are struggling with your energy bills, please contact them on 0300 123 4044.

Home Energy Efficiency

Improving the energy efficiency of homes and businesses in the district is key to delivering this. Improving energy efficiency can also help to reduce rising energy bills. Find out about improving energy efficiency and funding available here.

Small Acts of Kindness Warm in Winter Bags

There are serious health risks for an older person who is cold in their home. It is much harder to regulate and maintain body temperature and being cold can lead to health risks such as raised blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and falls. There is also the negative impact that being cold can have on a person’s mental wellbeing including loneliness, depression and anxiety.  Warm in Winter gift bags act as an intervention that can help reduce the risks that older people face when they are cold.

The gift bags contain essential, practical, keep warm items including; a fleece blanket, thermal hat, gloves and socks, a mug, hot drinks, soup and porridge. They also contain our comprehensive Purple Pages information pack full of literature signposting to relevant support, services and activities, helping to break the cycle that loneliness and isolation can bring. 

Warm in Winter gift bags help to heat the person when they are struggling to heat their home. These gift bags are available for those aged over 55 across Hertfordshire. Pop into on of our Healthy Hubs to pick up a Warm in Winter Bag for yourself or someone you know who could benefit.

Help with food

Food banks

If you are struggling to put food on the table, there are several food banks in Three Rivers District that can provide three days’ worth of emergency food.

You will need a food voucher before going to a food bank. To get a food voucher, call us on 01923 776611 or contact one of the following organisations:

• Three Rivers Citizens Advice
• HertsHelp
• your local children’s centre

Food bank locations

Rickmansworth Foodbank has distribution locations in Mill End, Croxley, Abbots Langley and Maple Cross. The timetable can be found online.

Watford Foodbank have distribution locations in South Oxhey and Watford. The timetable can be found online.

Please note that Food Parcels are pick up only. Unfortunately, no deliveries are available. You may be able to get transport to a local foodbank through Watford and Three Rivers Trust Community Cars scheme. You can request support here.

The following services are available to discuss your situation and maybe able to provide a foodbank voucher or Referral.

• Three Rivers District Council
• Citizens Advice Three Rivers
• Children’s Centre

Further information and support to help with the cost of living can be found here.

Other help with food

• The One Vision Food Project provides freshly prepared meals and grocery bags if you are struggling to afford food.
• Essentials Hub, run by Sewa day, provides food and other essential items such as toiletries, sanitary products and cleaning items for anyone in the local community who may be struggling, due to cost-of-living increases.
• Hertfordshire Independent Living Service can deliver breakfast, hot lunches and teatime meals to your door to help you remain independent at home. Please note there is a fee to pay for this service.
• HertsHelp can help you find food support in your area.
• Free School Meals - All pupils in reception and years 1 and 2 are eligible for free school meals. Children in year 3 and above may be eligible for free meals depending on benefits received. Check eligibility and register here.
• NHS Healthy Start - NHS Healthy Start provides families with fruit, vegetables and milk worth £220 a year, plus free vitamins to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children. If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and you receive certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per week, to spend on healthy food and milk. Previous voucher recipients must re-apply to continue getting help. Find out if you’re eligible.
• Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAPpy Camps) - Hertfordshire’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme (known locally as HAPpy) runs during the Easter, Summer and Winter holidays. HAPpy Camps provide a range of fun experiences including physical activity, enrichment, a healthy meal and snacks for eligible children.

Other useful resources

• Groceries discounts and offers
• Family £1 recipe meal plan/budget_family_meal_plan_for_four
• Some simple hacks, tips and guidance to save food and money
• Olio – find produce from local businesses which is nearing its sell-by date, spare home-grown vegetables, breads from your local baker or even groceries from your neighbours
• Too Good to Go app – buy surplus unused food from restaurants, cafes and supermarkets

Help through the Household Support Fund

To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire has been provided with funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food. We are working with a range of partners across the county to make sure we can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.

Residents are not able to apply directly to the local authority for the Household Support Fund, however, if you need help or support you can call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044  or visit the Citizens Advice Service in Three Rivers who may be able to help. If support is available, it will be based on your current situation and we may ask a few questions about your financial situation.

If you are in crisis, the Hertfordshire welfare assistance scheme provides support to help Hertfordshire residents facing an immediate financial crisis.

Help with transport costs

Bus passes

• Bus passes that provide free or reduced-fare travel on local buses are available to eligible older individuals and people with disabilities. Apply with Hertfordshire County Council.

Bus fares for children and young people aged 11–25

• Children and young people aged 11–25 are entitled to half-fare bus travel with the Hertfordshire SaverCard.

Communities 1st Shopper Bus Service

• Shopper Bus will take you from your door to the local supermarket. In Three Rivers, we visit Abbots Langley, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Sarratt, South Oxhey. View the shopper timetable.

Train travel

• The National Rail Senior Railcard and Disabled Persons Railcard provides 1/3 off rail travel for individuals aged 60 or over and people with a disability. 
• You may be eligible for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card if you’re on Universal Credit. Cardholders are entitled to 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

W3RT Community cars

• Community Cars provides essential journeys for those unable to use public transport due to mobility issues or ill health. Community Cars serves residents across Watford and Three Rivers and provides a safe, reliable, and affordable service.

Help with prescriptions

If you know you'll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription "season ticket".

A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need.

But it does not cover the cost of other health items, such as the provision of wigs and fabric supports, which are only provided through the hospital service.

Help for families and children

Childcare costs

• Check whether you are eligible for Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.

Free school meals and uniforms

• Your child may be eligible for free school lunches if you receive certain benefits. For more information, go to Hertfordshire County Council
• Some schools provide school uniform grants to pay towards the cost of your child’s uniform. To check eligibility, contact your school directly

School travel

• Some schools offer free home to school transport. Hertfordshire County Council will automatically consider you for free school transport when you apply for a school place.

Families First

• The Families First Partnership offer local advice and practical help to manage finances and make savings.

Help if you are concerned about the impact of the cost of living on your business

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

The Hertfordshire Growth Hub Cost of Living Business Support Hub is designed to support business owners in Hertfordshire who are looking for resources on how to manage the increases to the cost of living and the impact that it may be having on your business and workforce.

Help if the cost of living is affecting your mental health

• Herts Mind Network works with people to prevent them from developing mental health problems as well as supporting people who recover and prevent relapse
• South West Herts Samaritans - whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 24 hour helpline: 116 123
• Other mental health services and support can be found here

Welcoming spaces

A network of local community venues that residents can use to meet with others, stay warm in the winter or stay cool in summer. Find a local community space to keep warm, socialise and enjoy some activities. 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Find other welcoming spaces in Hertfordshire.