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Cost of living increases are affecting everyone in different ways. If you’re experiencing difficulties, there is help and support available.

Government support

Help for Households: The government is offering support with cost of living payments and energy costs. You can find out more at helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk. The website also offers energy-saving tips and information on the support for household, childcare, income and transport costs.

Cost of Living payments: The government is making Cost of Living Payments between Spring 2023 and Spring 2024, including £900 for people on an eligible low-income benefit, £300 for pensioner households, £150 for people on an eligible disability benefit. Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time but are expected to follow this plan:

  • £301: First cost of living payment Spring 2023
  • £150: Disability payment Summer 2023
  • £300: Second cost of living payment Autumn 2023
  • £300: Pensioner payment during Winter 2023/24
  • £299: Third cost of living payment Spring 2024

Help with energy costs: If you or your family are in vulnerable circumstances or in debt, contact your supplier to access help. Through the government’s Energy Price Guarantee scheme, you should have been getting automatic, non-repayable discounts on energy bills since October 2022.

Support from us

Here at A2Dominion, there’s a range of ways we can support you. Find out more at www.a2dominion.co.uk/services/Communities

Managing your budget: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is available to help with managing your money and accessing financial and other support. Each day we help customers maximise their income and find ways to help their money go further.

Employment support: There are lots of ways you can get help from our free employment including:

  • One-to-one support from an employment adviser
  • Help with identifying training opportunities, finding apprenticeships and applying for funding
  • Support with interview techniques, CV writing and job searches
  • Help calculating how returning to work will affect your income
  • Support in setting up your own business
  • Specialist support to overcome any challenges with getting into work.

Grant funding: We offer grants and funding to help with your education, employment and even essential items for your home.

Digital support: We can help you get online. Our free service offers one-to-one digital support. access to free digital hardware (tablets), access to WiFi connectivity, including digital MiFi units and free SIMs, and information on how to access special low rates for broadband

Emotional wellbeing: Your mental health is as important as your physical health. We understand that some of our customers may need emotional support through challenging times. Our emotional wellbeing service can offer support to A2Dominion customers with low-level mental health needs.

To access any of these services, visit www.a2dominion.co.uk/Here-to-help to complete our online form or call us on 0800 432 0077.

Other support

Household support: Having to choose between heating and eating? Contact your local council to see if you are, or will be, eligible for the Household Support Fund. They can also direct you to where you can get other help. Find your local council on the government website: www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Money advice: If you’re on a low income you may be eligible for certain benefits. Find out more using an online benefits calculator: www.entitledto.com or on the government website: www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/low-income

The Money Saving Expert website has lots of useful advice and money saving tips. You can sign up at www.moneysavingexpert.com for free weekly emails, providing you with information on cost of living and hints and tips.

Debt advice: There are many organisations that can provide free advice, and the sooner you speak to someone, the sooner you can get your debt under control. You can find free financial support and information from the following:

Cost of living tool: The cost of living helper has lots of information on money matters, providing helpful advice and tips on where you can get the support you need.

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