Cost of living

Help with the cost of living

In the UK, the cost of housing, food and energy have increased, but income levels remain the same. This is known as the ‘cost of living crisis.’ This page outlines the support available to help you navigate these challenges.

Cost of living payments

If you’re already getting benefits or tax credits, you might be able to get extra payments to help with the cost of living. These payments are automatic, so you don’t need to apply. You can find out more on the government website. 

Help from your local council

If you’re struggling to pay bills, your local council may be able to help. This is called welfare assistance or the Household Support Fund. Each council runs its own scheme, so the support available and who can get it varies by area.

You don’t have to be on benefits to apply, and your council might help with:

  • Energy and water bills
  • Food
  • Essential items like clothes or a cooker

You can find your local council and check what help is available here.

Help with Mortgage Payments

If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, contacting your lender as soon as possible is important.

Lenders are required to treat customers fairly and may be able to offer support, such as:

  • A temporary reduction or pause in payments: Some lenders may allow you to make smaller payments or take a short break from payments (known as a ‘payment holiday’), though interest may continue to accrue.
  • Extending the length of your mortgage: This can reduce your monthly payments by spreading the cost over a longer period, but it may increase the total amount of interest you pay over time.
  • Switching to an interest-only mortgage: This option lowers monthly payments by covering only the interest for a set period, but you will still need to repay the full loan amount later.
  • Adjusting your repayment plan: Your lender may offer a plan tailored to your situation, such as temporarily paying only part of your monthly instalment.

We understand that you may have concerns, so please don’t hesitate to contact your lender. They’re there to listen and discuss the options that might be best for you.

Can I get free prescriptions? 

All medical prescriptions are free if you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.

In England, you can get free prescriptions if you meet certain conditions, including if you are:

  • Under 16 or over 60
  • Aged 16–18 and in full-time education
  • Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid exemption certificate)
  • Getting Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Universal Credit (if you meet certain income conditions)
  • Living with a long-term health condition
  • Having a physical disability that means you can’t go out without help—and you have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)

To check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs, click here.

If you don’t qualify for free prescriptions

If you don’t qualify for free prescriptions, you might be able to save money by getting a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).

Instead of paying for each prescription separately, a PPC lets you pay a set amount and get as many prescriptions as you need. You can spread the cost with fixed monthly payments.

A PPC could save you money if you need:

  • 4 or more prescriptions in 3 months
  • More than 12 prescriptions in 12 months 

For more information and to buy a PPC, click here. 

Help with travel costs for NHS appointments

If you need to travel to a hospital or NHS centre for treatment or tests, you might be able to get your travel costs reimbursed through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

You may be eligible if:

  • You (or your partner) are receiving benefits like Universal Credit or ESA at the time of your appointment
  • A healthcare professional referred you for treatment or tests
  • Your appointment is on a different day from when you were referred

If you think you might qualify, ask at the hospital or check the NHS website for more details on how to claim.

Charity grants 

If you're having financial difficulties, you might be able to get support from a charity or organisation that gives out grants. A grant is money that you don't have to pay back, but you need to meet certain conditions to get one, like having a specific health condition.

Turn2Us is a charity that helps people become more financially stable. They can help you search for grants you may qualify for. It only takes a few minutes to search. You will be asked some questions, and all the information you share is anonymous—it won't be shared with anyone else.

To search for grants you may be eligible for, click here.