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Check what benefits you can get

You might be able to claim benefits or increase your current benefits if you’re:

  • of working age and on a low income

  • sick or disabled

  • of State Pension age and on a low income

  • a carer

  • responsible for children

 

You can check what benefits you can get by using websites such as Turn2us (www.benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk ) or Entitledto (www.entitledto.co.uk) or phone the local Citizens Advice (080 8278 7901, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or call in to one of their offices in Bordon, Forest Community Centre, Pinehill Road.

Check what help you can get from the government

Families with young children

Look at this website link for information on help with childcare costs:

https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs

See this link for help for families:

https://www.easthants.gov.uk/cost-living-support/help-cost-looking-after-children

 

If you're receiving qualifying benefits and pregnant or have a child under four years old, you can  get NHS Healthy Start vouchers from the NHS  to help buy basic foods.

 

The government’s Childcare Choices website  will tell you what support you can get and how to apply. Support includes:

  • Up to 15 hours of free early education over 38 weeks of the year for 2 year olds.

  • Up to 30 hours of free early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3-4 year olds.

  • Can used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.

  • Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

  • From Sept 2024 - Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months old. Apply for your code from 12th May.

  • From Sept 2025 - Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.

 

You may be also able to  claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs  if you’re eligible for Universal Credit.   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs

You can apply for free school meals for your child through Hampshire County Council.

 

Fuel Costs Help

You can get free advice from an energy advisor at Citizens Advice. Call their consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

Warm Home Discount Scheme

If you get benefits, you might be able to get £150 off your electricity bill or £150 added to your prepayment meter. You don’t need to apply for the scheme - payments are automatic. The next time the scheme opens is October 2024.

Check if you can get a fuel voucher

If you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher. This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email. You can use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don't have one of these, contact your supplier to get one or look a this link for advice.

Help with the cost of food and essentials

The following links may be helpful:

 

Connect to Support Hampshire  has links to organisations that can help with a wide range of money-related issues including debt, emergency food and keeping your home warm.

You can also contact Citizens Advice for advice on 080 8278 7901 or by completing their online referral form.

Apply for a charitable grant

You might be able to get extra money from your energy supplier or a charity. Check your energy supplier website for details. Some of these charitable grants are open to everyone, others might be available to you based on your situation - for example, your health or your previous or current job.

Grayshott & District Housing Association Tenant Discretionary Fund

Contact the Housing Administrator for an application form for a one-off modest grant in cases of hardship or an emergency.


If you’re finding things difficult

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You should talk to your GP if your money problems are affecting your mental health.

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