Increase in cost of living support for families
Merton have a page on where to get help with the increase in the cost of living; the link is here: https://www.merton.gov.uk/communities-and-neighbourhoods/money-advice/cost-of-living This info is really useful and informs families if they could be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax, to see what benefits they are entitled to or to get help in a crisis. This page also has info on where to receive support for local debt, housing and welfare, emergency food and fuel, energy saving and national region support.
Help with energy bills:
- The Energy Saving Trust has information about which appliances use the most electricity and tips on how to use them as efficiently as possible – here
- Grants of up to £25,000 to improve homes and save money on your energy bills, through the Mayor of London's Warmer Homes scheme - here
- Free energy saving consultation – here
Help directly from energy companies
- British Gas Energy Support Fund – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
- Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website
- E.ON Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
- E.ON Next Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – apply for a grant on the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund website
- Bulb Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website
- Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ – apply for a grant on the Octopus website
Help with food
- If families are entitled to Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, and have a child under four (or are at least 10 weeks' pregnant), they may be able to get a Healthy Start Card, with money on it, which you can use to buy milk and healthy food in some shops – here
- Find a foodbank using the Trussell Trust website here
