Coping with the rising cost of living

There is a wide range of support available for individuals and families who are facing rising energy costs and are worried about their finances due to the current 'cost of living crisis'.

The support is being offered by many organisations via different routes. The following information is designed to bring all the options together in one place to make it easy to see exactly what is available and how to access it.

Support provided by Ealing Council

Household support fund

Support for eligible families, care leavers and pensioners.

Local welfare assistance

Local welfare assistance is a discretionary support scheme. The fund is there to help people to try to maintain an independent life or for those facing an immediate financial crisis.

Discretionary housing payments

Residents who receive housing benefit or universal credit (housing element) could also be entitled to extra help with their housing costs, including help with rent arrears and rent deposits.  

Discretionary council tax discount

The council can offer a discretionary council tax discount, in cases where it considers that residents could benefit from support, to pay their council tax bills.

Council tax reduction 

A scheme for residents on low income to get a reduction on their monthly council tax bills.

Energy efficiency advice from Healthy Homes Ealing

Healthy Homes Ealing offer a free resident helpline for residents to call to get advice on how to stay warm, conserve energy, and save money on fuel costs. 

Support provided directly from central government

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have announced a number of one-off payments available to eligible households, pensioners and people with disabilities. 

Also, all UK households, regardless of income or circumstances, will receive a one-off, £400 credit directly from their energy provider into their energy account. This payment does not need to be paid back. For more information check your energy provider’s website.

Summary of government payments

One-off cost of living payment  - £650  

  • Who is eligible: Individuals receiving Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (IR), Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit    
  • Administered by: DWP/HMRC    
  • How and when will it be paid: Directly to eligible recipient’s bank accounts (split into two payments - one in July and one in autumn)    
  • Application needed: No.

One-off cost of living payment - £300

  • Who is eligible: Pensioners who receive Winter Fuel Payment
  • Administered by: DWP
  • How and when will it be paid: Directly to eligible recipients  (November/December as top up of winter fuel payment)
  • Application needed: No.

One-off cost of living payment - £150

  • Who is eligible: Individuals receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits, Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement
  • Administered by: DWP
  • How and when will it be paid: Directly to eligible recipients (September payments)   
  • Application needed: No.

Energy bills support scheme - £400

  • Who is eligible: All households in UK     
  • Administered by: Energy suppliers
  • How and when will it be paid: Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account. Customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid by a voucher. Payments made from October 2022 onwards.
  • Application needed: No.

More detailed information is available via the government’s cost of living support fact sheet.

There is also information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support on the London cost of living hub.