With the cost of living crisis affecting people all over the country, many people are struggling to make ends meet,
Liverpool has become one of the worst hit areas of the crisis. As previously reported by the ECHO, according to data collated by 38 Degrees - a campaigning organisation - a huge 85% of people living in Liverpool Walton are experiencing more expensive energy bills than last year, while 72% are paying more for fuel. In total 42% have lost income due to last year's cut in Universal Credit
But there is help available for those being hardest hit by the cost of living crisis in Liverpool. From financial support, to debt advice and access to food, help can be sought from the following places.
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Benefits
Advice for benefits and Universal Credit is available here, and it allows you to find out what you’re eligible to claim. The service can be contacted on 0800 028 3697 or at any One Stop Shop. Social housing tenants can also seek advice from landlords.
Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme
If you find yourself in crisis you can apply for support to get food and basic necessities for you and your family including gas and electric vouchers [urgent needs] and furniture and household essentials [home needs].
An emergency or crisis may be a fire or flood, or you have had to move due to violence or fear of violence, or you are leaving care or prison and need support to stay in the community. Find out more here.
Debt
Your local Citizens Advice can help you deal with debt. You can book appointments with a specialist advisor by calling 0344 848 7700 or visit www.citizensadviceliverpool.org.uk to find your local office. For details of other organisations go to www.liverpool.gov.uk/debt
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support helps people pay a portion of their Council Tax when on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You can claim whether you own your home or rent, or whether you’re working or unemployed here.
Discretionary Housing Payments
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can provide short-term help to pay your rent when Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not meet your rent in full. You can apply if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing cost element of Universal Credit or there is a shortfall between your rent and benefit entitlement. Find out more: liverpool.gov.uk/dhp
Fuel and energy bills
Liverpool's Healthy Homes can provide free help and advice when struggling to pay your fuel bills, and offer energy-saving hints and tips to help keep you warm and your bills low. They may also be able to help with replacement boilers and windows.
For support, visit: liverpool.gov.uk/energyefficiency or call them on freephone 0800 0121 754.
Sustainable Warmth Fund
The grant is available to help up to 700 households across Liverpool. It can be used to install a number of insulation and energy measures to residential homes. Some of these measures may include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, under floor insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels and replacement windows and doors. It is available for households with a gross income under £30,000 and a property Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated at E, F or G. Find out more: https://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/fuel-bills-and-energy-efficiency/apply-for-a-sustainable-warmth-fund-grant/
Free school meals
Apply today at www.liverpool.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or call free phone 0800 028 3697.
Community Food spaces
Feeding Liverpool, supported by Liverpool City Council, have created a map of community food spaces across the city. People can use it to find out more about food pantries and community shops close by.
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