Cost of living support

If you need food or other everyday items but are struggling to afford them, your local food bank might be able to help. They’re run on an individual basis so it’s worth contacting them in advance to find out how they operate. Find your nearest food bank here

Too Good to Go is an app that offers leftover food at a discount price from restaurants and cafes that would otherwise be thrown away.

OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away

You can find information on housing in Thanet here.

If you’re homeless or at risk of being homeless we can give you help or advice. You need to complete a quick online assessment first.

You should speak to your landlord or mortgage lender first if you can’t pay your housing costs. If you’re a council tenant you should contact our housing team.

You might be able to get housing benefit if you’re on a low income. Complete our online benefits calculator to find out more.

If you’re claiming housing benefit or Universal Credit and need more help with housing costs, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This is a one-off payment for help with rent or a rent deposit.

GOV.UK has advice on help towards mortgage interest payments which you might be eligible for if you’re receiving a qualifying benefit.

Free school meals

If you have a child under 19 in full-time education and you get certain benefits – like Universal Credit or income support – you may be eligible for free school meals. If your child is in reception, year 1 or year 2, you’ll get free school meals automatically – you don’t need to be getting a benefit. Find out more

Children’s Centres

There are a few Children’s Centres in the district. You can find your nearest Children’s Centre on Kent County Council’s website.

Babies and toddlers

If you’re expecting a baby you could get a maternity grant from Sure Start to help towards costs.

The Healthy Start Scheme offers help for milk and healthy foods for people who are 10 or more weeks pregnant or with children under the age of four.

All ages

If you have children, find out about childcare support and child benefit. You can see what help you can get towards childcare using GOV.UK’s childcare calculator.

Tax-Free childcare is a scheme where you can get up to £500 per child, every three months, to help with the cost of childcare.

The government’s Childcare Support website provides information on help that is available for childcare costs. In April 2024, changes are coming to 15 and 30 hours childcare support in England. You can sign up to receive more information on the changes, as well as how and when to register for support with childcare costs.

Family Fund offers support for essential items for families with disabled children.

You can get a benefits check and advice and support on family issues from Carers UK.Kent Young Carers support children and young people in a range of areas.

Cost of living payments

If you’re getting a means tested benefit – like Universal Credit for example – you’ll get a cost of living payment of £650 this year. It’s split into two instalments, one in the summer and one in the autumn. You don’t need to apply for it, it will be paid automatically.

If you get certain disability benefits – like Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment – you will get an extra £150 on top of the £650 payment. Read more about the cost of living payment

You could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. This will be paid automatically. If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment from November 2022.  Read more about the winter fuel payment

Energy bills

You can find more information about grants and schemes to make your home more energy efficient – Energy in the Home.

Ofgem is the independent energy regulator, working to protect energy consumers, especially vulnerable people. They have advice on switching energy suppliers. Ofgem – advice on switching

National Energy Action, the fuel poverty charity, campaigns so everyone can afford to live in a warm and safe home. They have advice on what to do if you are struggling with your energy bills. NEA – energy bills advice

Water

Learn more about Southern Water’s extra help and support available.

If you are having difficulties paying your water bill, you can contact Southern Water’s affordability team on 0800 027 0800 or email: hereTohelp@southernwater.co.uk You could be entitled to one of their payment schemes.

You can also apply to join the Priority Services Register if you have additional needs they ought to be aware of.

Mobile phones, Phones and Broadband

Ofcom has advice on how you could get cheaper phone and broadband bills by switching tariffs.

Various broadband providers have cheaper tariffs to support households on low income or in financial hardship. They’re called social tariffs. Learn more about them.

Help managing your money

You can use the Citizens Advice budgeting tool to work out what you’re earning and spending.

Contact the Kent Money Advice Hub for advice if you are worried about money and would like some advice. They have advice centres in Margate and Ramsgate – find your nearest centre here.

MoneyHelper is a free service provided by the Money and Pensions Service. It has lots of advice on things like pensions, everyday money and family money.

Help with benefits 

Use our benefits calculator to find out what support you might be entitled to. The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is the government benefit that gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit is separate to the State Pension, and you may still be eligible if you own your own home or have savings.

People who are eligible for Pension Credit can also get other financial help such as with heating costs, housing benefit and a free TV licence for over 75s.

If you are eligible, you may be able to claim around £3,500 a year. This could make a real difference and it could also entitle you to Cost of Living Payments.

Find out more here.

Emergency help

Kent County Council has an emergency welfare scheme for people that urgently need help with bills and other household costs.

Debt management

Step Change provides the UK’s most comprehensive debt advice service. You can get free and impartial advice, and if needed help to set up a debt solution and support for as long as needed.

If you are looking for support with mental health and wellbeing for yourself or someone you care for, visit Kent and Medway’s Mental Wellbeing Information Hub.

If you are moving from benefits to work, Jobcentre Plus can help you prepare for, find and stay in work. Or visit GOV.UK – find a job if you are looking for work.

The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. National Careers Service