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Other financial support

Find out what other help may be available to you and where to get support.

Help for households

The government is running a campaign to help households with the cost of living. Find out about the Cost of Living Payment, and get energy saving tips and other support at helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk. 

Bills and winter payments

  • The Big Difference Scheme - can give people on low incomes big discounts off their Severn Trent Water bill. 
  • Cold weather payments - you may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits or support for mortgage interest.
  • Household support fund - you may be referred by us to get help with food and bills (electric, gas and water).
  • Royal British Legion grants - those who have served, or are serving, in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, as well as their families, dependants and carers can apply for the cost of living grant.

Childcare and food

  • Free school meals - Find out if your child qualifies for benefits-related free school meals and how to apply.
  • Stocking Farm Community Shop - buy food at deeply discounted prices, join a cook club - kids eat free and you can join in other programmes and activities
  • Healthy Start offers vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables if you’re pregnant or have a child under four.
  • SureStart maternity grants are one-off payments of £500 to help with the cost of having a child.
  • Tax-free childcare - You could be entitled up to £500 towards childcare.

Broadband and phone packages

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Find out if you qualify, how to apply and a list of available tariffs on the Ofcom website.

Funeral

Legal

  • Legal aid can help pay for legal advice, family mediation and representation in court.

Medical and travel

Clockwise credit union

The credit union offers safe savings and affordable loans to anyone living or working in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. You can find out more about joining on the Clockwise website.

Beware of loan sharks

A loan shark is someone who lends money without legal permission. Loan sharks charge very high interest rates and rarely, if ever, give any paperwork. This is illegal but it is common practice. If you have one of these loans you can get help.

The illegal money lending team can help you end all your debts to a loan shark. If someone is not authorised to lend money you can report them using the link below. 

Report a loan shark

 

  • Citizens Advice LeicesterShire - free, independent and confidential advice on debt, budgeting, housing, employment, family issues and community care.
  • Understanding universal credit (DWP) - get information about the changes the government has brought in to support people who are already claiming benefits, need to claim benefits, or are at risk of losing their job as a result of coronavirus.
  • Helping Hands - offers welfare benefits, housing, employment, family law, and debt advice.
  • Community Advice and Law Service (CALS) - offers specialist welfare benefits, debt and housing advice
    • Phone: 0116 242 1120 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday, 9am to 4.30pm)
    • CALS contact form
  • Saffron Resource Centre - provides advice regarding benefits, debt and money guidance.
    • Phone: 07393 719 607 (Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday, 9.30am to 3pm)
    • Email: barbara@srcentre.org.uk
  • Somali Development Service - offers wide range of information and support which includes; benefits, family and youth support, community care, housing, domestic violent support. Translation is also available. 
  • Zinthiya Trust - provides a wide range of support including; money, debt, domestic abuse, emergency food, utilities and grants for white goods and furniture. Face to face appointment service available with social distancing in place. Call the number below to make an appointment first.
    • Phone the Zinthiya Trust: 0116 254 5168 (Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4pm and Friday, 9.30am to 2pm)
    • Address: 12 Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF
  • Energywise is a free advice and support service that works with Leicester residents to reduce energy costs and usage, manage energy accounts , and enhance income and budgeting.' To access this service you must send your name and contact details to energywise.enquiries@cals.uk.net who will contact you.