Check what benefits you can get
You might be able to claim benefits or increase your current benefits if you’re:
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of working age and on a low income
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sick or disabled
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of State Pension age and on a low income
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a carer
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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:
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Up to 15 hours of free early education over 38 weeks of the year for 2 year olds.
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Up to 30 hours of free early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3-4 year olds.
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Can used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.
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Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
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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.
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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:
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The Tantum Trust is a local organisation: www.thetantumtrust.co.uk
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The Trussel Trust has up to date info on local food banks, some provide clothing too: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank
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The Too Good To Go app to find reduced price food near you
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In Petersfield there is a free shop at the railway station: https://hillstoharbourcrp.co.uk/free-shop/
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A Community Food Pantry supported by Fareshare currently operates at Woodlands Hall, Larch Road, Headley Down GU35 8AS every Tuesday 1pm-2.00pm, offering food at a discounted rate. Contact FSSouthernCentral@fareshare.org.uk for further information.
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Furniture Helpline www.furniturehelpline.co.uk for household items.
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Connect 4 Communities website at Hampshire County Council, see the Household Support Fund pages.
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
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.