Financial support

Claiming all you're entitled to? If you're not sure if you're eligible for, you can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. More information on benefits calculators.

Energy bills

Ways to reduce your energy bills - Get advice and support for paying energy bills and grants that may be available for you.

Council tax

Council tax discount and exemptions - Find out if you could receive a discount or exemption for council tax.

Council tax support - Learn more about ways we can help you pay your council tax bill.

Discretionary housing payments - Already getting Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit but it’s not enough to cover your rent? You may be eligible for extra help.

Benefits and cost of living payments

Universal Credit - Universal Credit is a benefit for people of working age who are on a low income or out of work.

Housing Benefit - New Housing Benefit claims can now only be claimed by those over state pension age. Universal Credit has replaced Housing Benefit for new claims for those of working age. Find out if you could be eligible.

Household support fund - Funding provided to local authorities to support families with children and individuals in financial hardship. Applications are limited to one per household. 

Personal Independence Payment - help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and find it difficult doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.

Pension Credit - help for pension age people to top up your income if your income is below a minimum level. Find out if you are eligible.

Winter Fuel Payment - help with winter fuel bills if you were born before 23 September 1958 and in receipt of a mean-tested benefit - for those over retirement age this would most likely be Pension Credit. 

Carers Allowance - financial support for those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

Other support

Foodbanks - some local foodbanks provide free food with a referral from our Customer services team. Some don't require a referral and you can just turn up during their opening times. Others also have very low cost food without a referral being needed. 

The Royal British Legion is inviting members of the Armed Forces community struggling with their fuel bills to apply for new emergency energy top up grants of up to £200 per month (£2,400 a year). The Everyday Needs Grants do not have to be paid back. If you're receiving any means-tested state benefits, such as universal credit, pension credit or income support, you should qualify automatically. But you could still be eligible for a grant even if you don't get any benefits – the Royal British Legion will check your income and expenditure to assess your needs.

Clockwise Credit Union - a range of financial products and services for Leicestershire residents and communities.

Stop Loan Sharks - investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK.