Cost of living support

We understand for many this is a challenging time. Find support, information, advice and guidance to help you and your family, friends and communities using the menu tabs below.

Help for Households

For an overview of Government support, go to Cost of living support (GOV.UK). 

Select a drop down box for more information, advice or support on:

To provide further support during the cost of living pressures, our benefits team now offer face to face advice sessions at various locations across the county. 

The team is happy to help with any queries you may have regarding your benefit entitlement. 

They offer advice, guidance and ‘better off’ calculations to ensure you are receiving the benefits you are entitled to, to help maximise your income.

These are free, drop in sessions, so no need to book. The dates/venues are:

Ashfield

  • Hucknall Library. South Street, Hucknall NG15 7BS. 10am – 12pm

Every 4 weeks from 19 February, 11 March, 8  April.

  • Willets Court Community Centre. Limb Crescent, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 5EB. 10am – 12pm

Every 4 weeks from 27 February, 26 March, 30 April.

Bassetlaw

  • Cleveland Close Community Centre, Carlton in Lindrick, S81 9BG. 10am – 12pm

Every 4 weeks from 6 February, 5  March, 2 April.

Gedling

  • Newstead Community Centre, Tilford Road, Newstead Village, NG15 0BS 10.30am – 12.30pm

Every 4 weeks from 6  February, 5 March, 2 April.

Mansfield

  • Oaktree Children's Centre. Jubilee Way N, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. NG18 3PJ 9am – 11.30am

Every 4 weeks from 16  February, 15 March, 12 April.

  • Trowell Court Community Centre. Trowell Court, Mansfield, NG18 4NT 9.30am – 11.30am

Every 4 weeks from 21 February, 20  March, 17 April.

Newark & Sherwood

  • Balderton Library. Main Street, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3NP 10am -12pm

Every 4 weeks starting 31 Jan (new session so subject to change depending on how busy)

Cost of living booklet

Our booklet provides contact numbers for advice and schemes to help with bills. 

Cheaper broadband and phone deals

Those entitled to benefits may be able to apply for cheaper broadband and phone deals

Severn Trent Water Big Difference Scheme

Severn Trent's Water Big Difference Scheme helps reduce the amount you pay for your bill. The scheme is based on household income eligibility criteria. 

British Gas Energy Trust

British Gas have hardship funds for existing and non-customers to help with gas and electric debt.

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

If you are claiming Housing Benefit a discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) can be applied.

Shelter

If you are behind on rent, the charity Shelter may be able to help.

Fuel direct scheme

If you’re struggling to pay for your energy and you’re on certain benefits, you may be able pay directly from your benefit payments instead. This arrangement is called Fuel Direct. Contact your local Job Centre for more details.

If you are looking for energy grants, Charis may be able to help find grants for certain energy suppliers.

Prepayment meter credit

If you use a prepayment meter for electricity or gas ask your supplier for temporary credit, or contact your local council for a fuel voucher. 

Help with your TV Licence

The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.

Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.

TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities or your local authority money advice department. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.

There are other TV licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstance.

There are concessions available for:

Childcare costs support information

Our booklet provides information on where to get advice on support for childcare costs. 

Childcare costs

There is a range of support available to help with childcare costs, subject to eligibility.

Money support and help with benefits

Our booklets provide information on where to get advice for money support and help with benefits. 

Claim benefits 

You may be entitled to government benefits and financial support.

Worried about money?

Access free and impartial advice for managing your money in uncertain times through Money Helper's Help with the cost of living. This scheme is backed by the government.

Online debt advice services

Online services are secure and you can get immediate, personalised help. Some services are available 24 hours a day.

Further support

Food help

Our booklet provides information on where to get advice for help with food. 

Food banks 

Find a local food bank in your area.

Healthy Start

Get help to buy food and milk through the Health Start scheme. 

Free school meals 

The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF)

HAF supports children that receive benefits-related free school meals during school holidays providing activities and food. 

If you need urgent mental health support, call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line on 0808 196 3779 (24/7).

Mental health and wellbeing support

This booklet gives you information and advice on support for mental health and wellbeing.

There are a range of mental wellbeing services and support available locally in Nottinghamshire for both adults and children.

The Mental Health Breathing Space (MHBS)

Scheme run by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to provide support to individuals who are indebt and receiving mental health crisis treatment. Guidance on mental health crisis breathing space [PDF]

Parent line

Emotional support, information, advice, and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Call 0808 800 2222.

Family Action

Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country. Family Action, Building stronger families

Relationship support

During times of financial pressure, it’s easy for relationships to be put under stress.

If you’re a parent – whether living with your partner or separated, take a look at our online support through Nottshelpyourself called Relationships Really Matter.

If you’re not a parent – take a look at Relate.

Disagreements and arguments are normal parts of relationships. They are different from domestic abuse. If you’re worried about domestic abuse, see Domestic abuse and sexual violence support

Where to go for help 

Our booklet provides advice on where to go for support from local councils and groups. 

Find out about community hubs, warm spaces and more in your local area:

Support for veterans

Royal British Legion Cost of Living Grants

Open to those eligible for our support struggling to pay for items and services they need. Cost of Living Grants

Blue Light Together

The place for UK emergency services staff, volunteers, retirees and friends and family to find information, ideas and support to help look after your mental health. Blue Light Together

Other support

Prefer to have a printed copy of the main information included on this webpage?  

These four A4-size pages can be printed off double-sided to fold into your own cost-of-living booklet.

Our cost of living booklet is available at libraries and children's centres and will be available at cost of living events.

You may prefer to print off an individual section:

Help for Community groups

Local Communities Fund

 Various grants are available for voluntary and community groups across Nottinghamshire.

Councillors’ divisional fund

Every County Councillor has £3,000 to spend on projects, people and organisations in their local area.

Further support for community groups

Access advice on finding funding pots, DBS checks, development and more

Receive our community support email bulletins

Get regular email updates about information on grants and support for local community and voluntary organisations.

Sign up to our community support e-bulletins

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