Energy bill support

The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 discount off electricity bills for eligible households. It is available through most energy suppliers and is applied automatically for qualifying Pension Credit recipients, with others needing to check their supplier's criteria.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free and provides extra protections for households where someone is elderly, disabled or has a young child — including advance notice of planned power cuts and a free annual gas safety check.

Food support

Food banks are widely available through the Trussell Trust and independent networks. A referral from Citizens Advice, a GP or social worker is typically required for Trussell Trust food banks, though many independent banks accept self-referrals.

Community fridges, surplus food apps (Too Good To Go, OLIO) and community meals schemes are available in many areas. The Household Support Fund can also provide supermarket vouchers.

Benefits and cash support

Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance and other national benefits form the main financial safety net. Many households are not claiming all they are entitled to — a benefits check takes minutes using entitledto.co.uk or Turn2us.

The Household Support Fund (discussed in detail elsewhere) provides local emergency support for food, energy and essentials.

NHS help with costs

NHS Low Income Scheme: free prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and glasses for households with incomes below a threshold. Apply using form HC1.

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC): if you need more than around 12 prescriptions per year, a PPC saves money at a flat annual rate.