Cost of Living Resources

CITIZENS ADVICE EASTLEIGH (HEDGE END OUTREACH)
The Citizens Advice Bureau can help you with:

• Getting benefits or organising other financial support
• Accessing support for essential costs (food, bills, rent)
• Visit the Citizens Advice website or contact your local branch to book an appointment.

CHECK YOU’RE PAYING THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TAX
Use the Money Saving Expert’s free tax code calculator to find out.

CHECK YOU’VE RECEIVED ALL THE GOVERNMENT'S COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENTS
The government’s cost-of-living payments are available for those receiving certain benefits or tax credits. You don’t need to apply for these – if you’re eligible the money should go straight into your account.

FIND OUT WHAT HELP YOU CAN GET WITH YOUR ENERGY BILLS
Click below to find out what help is on offer:

• British Gas Energy Trust
• Money Saving Expert
• Ofgem

CHECK IF YOUR CHILD IS ENTITLED TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM)
If your child is eligible for FSM you need to get them registered. If eligible your child will receive £2.50, added to their account each day (please note this amount does not roll over if not used). This will also allow us to get extra funding (known as the pupil premium) to support your child’s learning. Go to this government website to check if your child is eligible.

HELP WITH ENERGY COSTS
Direct financial support to pay gas, water and/or electricity bills, potentially including arrears.

Local Citizens Advice services are supporting eligible households with the costs of gas, water and/or electricity bills. Households who qualify for support can contact their local Citizens Advice directly.

HELP WITH FOOD COSTS
There are 19 Community Pantries across Hampshire which provide food at a lower cost than supermarkets, in exchange for a small membership fee.

FOOD VOUCHERS
Food vouchers will be available to households who receive council tax support, and households who receive housing benefit. These will be distributed by local district and borough councils in the coming months. Those who are eligible don’t need to do anything – they will be contacted by their local council.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND FOOD PROGRAMME
Details of providers who are offering free places for eligible children over the Christmas holiday period.

HOUSING COSTS
Local district and borough councils can provide support for housing costs in exceptional circumstances. Residents are asked to contact their local council if they think they may be eligible for emergency support.

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
Lots of useful guidance and support from Eastleigh Borough Council.

OLIO
OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away. For your convenience, OLIO can also be used for non-food household items, too.

TOO GOOD TO GO
App to reduce food waste. When food businesses from supermarkets to restaurants, cafes and bakeries have surplus food they list it on the app as a Magic Bag which allows you to buy the food at a reduced rate so food gets eaten and not wasted.

YOUNGMINDS
This website includes a guide menu with lots of links for help and support during cost of living crisis