Lots of the information in this guide comes from Making Money Count.
Step 1 - Check your entitlements
Complete a benefits check.
It’s a good idea to seek specialist help when applying for a carer/ disability / health related benefit.
Other money help you can apply for
- Council Tax Reduction – this is available for households on a low income.
- Healthy Start – if you are 10 weeks or more pregnant, have a child under 4 and receive qualifying benefits.
- Prescriptions/ dental / glasses – check your eligibility for free help from the NHS.
- Warm Home Discount – (re-opens in October 2025). Households on means tested benefits with high energy use and property energy efficiency rating of D or below, may be eligible for a one off £150 payment from their energy supplier. The £150 is not paid to the applicant but taken off their electricity bill sometime between September and March. Eligible households are paid automatically. Those on Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) receive the WHD automatically.
- Winter Fuel Payment – If you were born in or before 21st 1959, you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. You must have lived in England or Wales during the qualifying week (15th to 21st Sept 2025), and your taxable income for financial year 25/26 must be £35,000 or less. Note that those earning over this amount will still receive it but must repay it through HMRC via PAYE or self assessment.
- Free school meals
- Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme (CLAS) – help with food, home furnishing, white goods if on a low income. Contact Cambridge Citizens Advice for a referral on: 0808 278 780.
- Household Support Fund – for people who are struggling financially. £110 grant per household. People can apply directly on the website. Professionals on the Trusted Partner network can apply on behalf of their clients.
Other help with essentials
- Housing – if your housing is at risk contact your District Council or an independent advice agency e.g. Shelter. Learn more on the Making Money Count website.
- Household items - Try Cambridge Re-Use, Cambridge Emmaus, and REMO Eco-Superstore.
- Other grants available: Check Turn2us webpage.
Step 2 - Make a budget
Using a budget planner, go through everything you spend – not just regular bills but all expenses, e.g. haircut, pet food, clothes. Keeping a daily record of spending is very helpful. You can use this free online budgeting tool: moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner
Step 3 - Save money on everyday costs
Energy (Gas and Electricity)
- Check with your supplier if you’re getting the best deal – at the moment with high energy prices a fixed deal may not suit you but ask your energy supplier for advice.
- Take meter readings regularly to see how much you are using and consider a smart meter.
- If you are on prepayment meter, try and top up regularly all year.
- If you are older, have young children and /or a health condition or disability ask to go onto the Priority Services Register with your supplier.
- Find out about energy saving tips on this website.
- Learn more about energy bill debt on this website.
Water
Ask your water company about their help with water bills. Help can include discounted tariffs and Priority Services Register - a free service that provides extra support to customers based on their circumstances:
- Help with paying | South Staffs Water (south-staffs-water.co.uk), 0800 0930 610
- Extra Care Support (anglianwater.co.uk), 03457 919 155
- Cambridge Water Assure Tariff, 0800 093 0570
- A water meter may save you money. Use this water meter calculator to see if you would save money by getting a water meter installed.
Phone / Internet / TV packages
- Various providers, including BT, Sky, Talk Talk, Hyperoptic, VirginMedia and KCOM offer discounted rates for households on relevant benefits. To see full list search ‘Ofcom Social Tariffs’.
- Use a comparison site to check that you are on the best deal available. Review your subscriptions and ensure that you are only paying for what you need.
- TV Licence: If you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer without a licence, you may be prosecuted and fined up to £1000.
Step 4 - Take action on debt
Contact a debt advice agency if you have bills or borrowing that you cannot afford, get free, independent debt advice from a regulated service. A debt advisor can help you get some breathing space to manage your situation better and work out the best way forward.
- Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, 0808 278 7807, and available through an online debt chat service.
- Cambridge & District Citizens Advice, 0808 278 7808
- Christians Against Poverty, 0800 328 0006
- StepChange, 0800 138 1111.
- Avoid loan sharks - Loan sharks take advantage of people struggling who feel they have nowhere else to turn. If you are offered money with little paperwork but high charges avoid and contact the free helpline on 0300 555 2222.