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Cost Of Living Support

Support From LRHA

The Resident Support grant is available to residents who are experiencing immediate or significant hardship. The association can help you to purchase essential items to support you in times of need.

Click Here for more information about the Resident Support Fund

Struggling to pay your rent?

We understand that the cost of living increase has put a strain on many residents’ finances. We’re here to help you as much as possible.
We have a team who are available to provide help and advice with budgeting, claiming benefits and managing your rent payments. We are aware that it can be difficult to discuss these matters however our friendly team are here to help.

For more information on paying your rent click HERE

Budgeting

Budgeting is crucial because it helps you manage your finances effectively, ensuring you live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt. By creating a budget, you can track your income and expenses, prioritise your spending, and set aside funds for savings and emergencies. This not only provides peace of mind but also helps you achieve long-term financial goals, such as planning for retirement.

Download our budget planner to get started. If you would like a paper copy sending out, please get n touch with out office.

Budget Planner

Check Your Eligibility

Turn2us is a national charity providing practical information and support to end financial insecurity. Use their free Benefits Calculator and Grants Search to find out what help you can get.

Tackling Financial Insecurity Together | Turn2us

Cost of living payments

New cost of living payments for means-tested benefit claimants start in spring 2023. Payments will go directly to bank accounts in three payments during the financial year. There will also be extra cash for some disabled people and pensioners. Find the details of existing and upcoming schemes on the gov.uk website:

Third Party Deductions

The third party deduction scheme is designed to protect claimants in receipt of income-related benefits. Third party deductions for fuel debt is sometimes called ‘Fuel Direct’. It is used when a claimant has arrears of essential household outgoings. Other methods to recover the debt must have been tried, for example negotiating different ways of paying and managing bills. There must be a real possibility of enforcement action before consideration is given to applying for a deduction.

A guide for energy suppliers (‘Fuel Direct’) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Food Banks

The services provided by food banks may vary from area to area as they react to the needs of their community to provide help and support to local people in crisis.
Food banks rely on the support of local communities to help stop UK hunger, The link below will take you to a list of food banks

Foodbanks & affordable food across Greater Lincolnshire – Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership

Food Banks

Keeping Warm This Winter

Click here to view warm home discounts 2023-24

Top tips for keeping warm this winter

It is important to keep warm in winter, so heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer
Wear several thin layers rather than one thick layer.
Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop the heat escaping and the draughts coming in.
Make sure you have regular hot meals that contain carbs, such as potatoes, pasta, bread and rice.
If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth.

Protect your health

There are a number of things you can do to prepare against the cold weather:

At the first sign of a cough or cold, get immediate advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious
Speak to your pharmacist about medicines you should have in stock over winter
Pick up prescription medications before the Christmas holidays start as many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays
Make sure you get your flu jab
If you need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed call NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk.

Be prepared

Check on your neighbours

By spending ten minutes visiting an elderly neighbour, you really could make a difference to their safety during the winter months.

If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day).

If you’re concerned the person may have hypothermia, contact NHS 111.

Click here to view Citizens Advice Booklet

Help with heating costs

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.

For more information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient, go to the government’s Simple Energy Advice website, or call the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444 202.

You can also find out about heating and housing benefits on GOV.UK.

It’s worth claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to as soon as winter begins.