Financial support for residents
Page contents
If you are struggling financially, we are here to help.
You may be entitled to our grants, benefits and other support available.
If you would like to talk to someone and check what support you may be eligible for, visit one of our One Stop Shops or email OSSAppointments@southglos.gov.uk to book an appointment. Our customer care officers will speak to you in confidence.
There is emergency and long term financial support available.
Changes in income
You must let The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) know about any changes to your income.
You can do this by filling in our change in circumstances form.
GOV.UK has Benefits: report a change in your circumstances guidance.
Getting help with money for the first time
Benefits
If you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work you can claim Universal Credit.
You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how many hours you can work.
GOV.UK has more information on Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.
Council tax support
There is help available for people who are struggling to pay their council tax.
You can either ask:
- for a council tax reduction if you are on a low income.
- to spread instalments over 12 months (April to March) rather than 10 (April to January)
You can read more on local council tax reduction.
To change your instalments email CorporateContactCentre@southglos.gov.uk . Use the subject title ‘Council Tax instalment amendment’ and include your name, address and billing number in the email.
Household support fund
The household support fund is to help people who are struggling to buy food, pay energy and water bills or cover other essential living costs.
We aim to support as many residents as we can who meet the eligibility criteria and need our help the most.
To find out if you are eligible and to apply, visit our household support fund page.
Welfare grant scheme
This scheme can help with basic essentials in a crisis or emergency.
Our welfare grant scheme page has more information.
Other grants and support
There are various grants and support that can help with food and fuel costs.
Email OSSAppointments@southglos.gov.uk and we will contact you to go through an application.
Financial support for families on low incomes
If you have a family to support and you are on a low income, there is a range of benefits and other help available to support you with the costs of everyday living. Visit our financial support for families on low incomes page.
Charity grants and gifts
The charities below provide extra ways to get support through grants, gifts, advances and loans.
You may be able to apply for grants and gifts through the following charities:
- North Bristol and South Gloucestershire food bank
- Bristol Charities
- Buttle UK’s Chances for Children
- St Monica’s Trust
- British Gas Energy Trust
For members of the Armed Forces, the Royal British Legion has launched a Cost of Living Grants Programme. You can find out more and how to apply on their website.
You can search for more grants at Turn2Us.
Food support
Support is available to make sure you are getting enough to eat.
Visit the One You South Gloucestershire website getting enough to eat page for information on:
- emergency food aid and food banks
- Healthy Start vouchers
- free school meals
Benefits of applying for free school meals
Applying for free school meals can bring other benefits to your child’s health, wellbeing and learning.
We are currently offering holiday activities and food clubs for children aged 5 to 16 years who live in South Gloucestershire. This is funded by the Department for Education (DfE).
You can find out more on our supporting families in school holidays page.
Housing costs
You can apply for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit if you are struggling to pay your rent.
If you are already receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit you can apply for our Discretionary Housing Payment.
Many mortgage providers will help people who are struggling to pay their mortgage. For example, you can ask if you can temporarily stop your mortgage payments. It is best to contact them as soon as you know you may have difficulty making your repayments.
We have advice to help if you are struggling to pay your council tax. You can check if you are eligible for any council tax discounts or exemptions, including council tax reduction.