Help for those on a low income
Help for those on a low income is available and there is always hope if you are having financial difficulties. However, systems can be challenging to navigate especially when you are already feeling stressed about your financial plight.
I thought I would list things that are well worth investigating when the wolf is at the door and you are feeling stressed.
Help for those on a low income with rent
Rents can be very high and housing costs are often the biggest expenditure item for individuals and families. If you are renting whether on benefits or working, check if you are entitled to Housing Benefit to cover all or part of your rental costs. The roll-out of Universal Credit will see housing costs covered in a different way so check out information on that too.
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Help with council tax
Council tax can be another big strain on finances. Depending on where you live Council Tax Reduction may be available giving a discount depending on your individual circumstances.
Free prescriptions
There are quite a number of circumstances that make you eligible for free prescriptions and help with other health costs. The basic message is if you have health costs, it is always worth finding out if you can get some help towards them.
Free school meals
All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools are eligible for free school meals. If you are on certain welfare benefits, you may also be able to obtain free school meals for your children.
Social Fund and grants
If you are on certain benefits, you may be able to get help towards expenditure such as clothing or a washing machine via a budgeting loan. This is interest free so you only pay back what you borrow normally within a 2 year period.
You would be amazed how many organisations offer grants to those in need. The Turn2Us website helps you search for the ones that apply to your particular situation.
Food banks
There are lots of food banks so check online to find one near where you live. You can go to some without a referral but sometimes you need to be sent by someone like a GP, charity, advice agency or social worker.
When money is tight it is vital to view your options and to seek good advice from someone like the Citizens Advice Bureau Service.
Do you know of any good help for those on a low income?
You may like to find ways to save money as a new parent.
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Kate Davis-Holmes
Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.
13 Comments
Karen, the next best thing to mummy
Another benefit that many are unaware of is that if you are on a low income, you can get help with the cost of school uniforms when your children go to secondary school #brillblogs@_karendennis
Natalie A
This is so nice of you to compile this list for those that are needing some help! This is so kind of you to do!
Kamsin
Thanks for sharing this info. I hope it finds it’s way to those who need it. #ablogginggoodtime
Madeline (This Glorious Life)
Some fab advice and links here Kate, really useful. We’re lucky here in Wales that prescriptions are free, but it’s good to know that there are lots of of circumstances that make you eligible for free prescriptions in England too. x #TheListLinky
Nige
Some great advice we may never know when we will need help Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Lisa Pomerantz
Many countries sure do a better job of taking care of their own. Embarrassed and from the US. #ThatFridayLinky xoxo
honestmum
Super tips x
Crummy Mummy
We always donate to our local food bank when we can – It’s so important #ablogginggoodtime
The Pramshed
Thanks Kate there are good pieces of advice here, hopefully I won’t ever need it, but it’s really useful to read these facts. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
Mummy in a TuTu
a really useful post for people who may not know!
Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
Louise Pink Pear Bear
Oh what a wonderful post. This sort of advice can be such a lifeline for someone panicking at the thought of Christmas. Thanks for joining us at the #bigpinklink this week.
Marty Rogers
These are great tips, thank you Kate! 🙂
Jemma Madison
Managing day to day life with a low income is very difficult but if you find such things near you as in given post then you can get some help. Thanks for sharing valuable tips.