Cost of Living Support

NEWS: Find out about things to do this this Halloween Half Term

We know that many people have been feeling the impact on their household budget of rising energy, food and housing bills. Our Cost of living hub provides some of the essential help and support you might need.

Pension Credit

Worried about money this Autumn/Winter?

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. If you qualify - it will also give you access to a range of other benefits , like the Winter Fuel Allowance and free TV License.

Take the time to apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
or you can telephone the Pension Credit claim line : 0800 99 1234

Winter Fuel Payment

Please Note eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has changed. 

on 9 September 2024, the UK Government changed the rules for eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment 

If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. 

If you’re eligible, you should receive a letter in October or November - to find more information go to the Government web page.

AND if you are not receiving Pension Credit, then you should act to see if you are eligible (see above). 

Household Support Fund

Find out if you qualify for help from the Household Support Fund.

If you are struggling to afford food, fuel, utility bills and other essentials, even temporarily - or have an urgent one off cost (boiler, cooker, fridge etc.). You can apply on our Household Support Fund webpages.

For other financial support and advice please go to our Cost of Living financial support, benefits and debt advice page. 

Your local community places

Last winter we created a map of community spaces, support services and foodbanks, where residents were welcome to visit. 

It is a testament to our brilliant communities across Kingston that today there are many more community places and groups providing activities, food and friendly faces across the borough, where you can drop in, meet people locally, get help and advice or join in activities. Many of these, such as libraries, are free - they are simply a place where everyone is welcome. 

Because of the number and scope of community places this year, we are making this information available on our Connected Kingston website.

To find out about the wider range of what’s available local to you and across Kingston,visit the Connected Kingston website for Libraries, Foodbanks, Community Lunches, Cafes, Kitchens and Fridges, Community Groups and Activities, Support and Advice, and Wellbeing options for fitness and mental health support.

Other places to go for help and support

• Citizens Advice Kingston toolkit - Information and advice to help local people cope with the cost of living increases. Find out more by calling 020 3166 0953.
• Connected Kingston - Connected Kingston is a site dedicated to helping Kingston residents find local activities and navigate local services. It is run by the council and Kingston Voluntary Action in conjunction with local charities and statutory organisations.
• MoneyHelper.org.uk is a government-backed website run by The Money Advice Service, Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. it is packed full of money advice, you can chat online with them and there is a FREE debt Advice Locator , where you can choose advice online, on the telephone and in person in your area. 
• Worrying About Money -  If you or someone you support are facing money worries or financial crises, you can find information about where to get support locally and nationally. You can also download a copy of the Worrying About Money leaflet