Page last updated on 16th March 2026

Mother watching her young child play with a laundry basket while she does the laundry.

Mother watching her 1 year old child play with a laundry basket while she does the laundry.

SUPPORT TO HELP YOU MANAGE THE RISING COST OF LIVING

As the cost of living continues to increase, we’re all trying to find ways to reduce our monthly spend. If you’re struggling to manage, you’re not alone. We want to let you know that there is support and advice you can lean on during this time.

We’ve worked with Carers UK, Citizens Advice, English Football League (EFL) Trust, the Royal Voluntary Service, National Energy Action (NEA) and the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) to gather some advice to support you through this time. Whether you need help with your energy bills, help paying for your food and rent, or just need a chat.

If you would like to share this content, you download this page as a leaflet here.

HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY AND BILLS

If you can’t afford the energy you need or are in debt with your energy supplier, there is help available. Read on to find the help that suits you:

A mock-up of an in-home display in prepayment mode.

Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter and accompanying in-home display

Smart meters could also help you to find ways to reduce energy waste around the home. The in-home display shows you in near-real time the amount of energy being used in pounds and pence, allowing you to keep a closer eye on your energy spending habits.

Join the millions of Brits who are already using a smart meter and accompanying in-home display to reduce the energy usage in their homes.

Simply type your energy supplier in the box below and we'll redirect you to their website.

Find out what support is available

LEAP offer free energy and money saving advice to help you manage your household bills. You can contact them by calling 0800 060 7567.

Discover grants you could be eligible for

If your home isn’t properly insulated, you could be wasting money on heating that is escaping. So, find out if you’re eligible for free or discounted insulation or heating measures to prevent this. To do this, contact your energy supplier and see if you qualify for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Or you can contact your local council and ask about any schemes operating in your area.

Mother sitting on her laptop with her children around her

The Priority Services Register

It’s really important that both your supplier and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) know if you are in a vulnerable situation, so they can include you on their Priority Services Register. This includes people who are of pensionable age, have children under 5, have a disability or long-term medical condition.

The Priority Services Register is a free support service. It can help with regular meter reading services, priority support in an emergency, or allow someone to nominate a person to help manage energy bills on their behalf.

HELP WITH YOUR FINANCES

You need to ensure you and those around you are getting all of the extra financial help you’re entitled to. If you’re not sure how to find out, keep reading and we will help you find the best place to ask:

Check whether you’re eligible for extra money or help

Citizens Advice offer free advice for all types of debt and money guidance. And if you’re living with a disability, are of pensionable age, on a low income, a carer, or responsible for children, they can help you check if you’re entitled to any extra help. This could be a one-off payment, or a claim to new or increased benefits.

Get help for the person you care for

If you have caring responsibilities, contact the Carers UK Helpline team to find out what benefits or financial support you, or the person you care for could be eligible for.

Alongside this, requesting a smart meter for the person you care for can make life easier, and give them more independence at home. Find out more below:

HELP WITH YOUR WELLBEING

If you are finding things difficult with the cost of living increasing, there is local support you can lean on. Whether you’re feeling lonely, just need a chat, or want to help others:

Daughter showing her father how to top up on a mobile

Stay connected

We know things can seem tough right now, so you need to make sure you stay connected to others. Your local community will have social activity groups you can join to help you take your mind off things.

Or you could visit the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) Virtual Village Hall, an online community designed to keep people physically and mentally active.

Contact your local EFL Trust Club Community Organisations

The EFL Trust run a range of programmes to support our local communities. And you don’t even have to be a football fan to join in - great! Contact your local club and ask about what activities their community team support.

Get involved and volunteer

Volunteering is great way to support your well-being, learn new skills and make new friends, whilst supporting those most in need in your local community. What’s not to like?

DOWNLOAD THIS INFORMATION AS A LEAFLET

If you want to share this support and advice, you can download our full leaflet below:

Download leaflet

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Concerned about your energy bills? - there are things you can do to help your situation. From making small changes in your home, to reaching out for support.
Ultimate energy saving tips - check out our energy saving tips to see how you can save energy in your home.
How a smart meter could benefit you, and the person you care for - More information about how a smart meter can make life easier, and how to request a smart meter for the person you care for.