As we head into the winter months, many of us are worried about the rising cost of living.
We are working with organisations including Citizens Advice and Age UK Dorset to provide a range of support.
Free, confidential and impartial support on money worries, accessing affordable food, housing and employment rights, and looking after our mental health is available to everyone. No one needs to manage alone.
Money worries take up lots of head-space, leaving us with much less mental energy and time to make good decisions about our money. Remembering to look after ourselves can also be hard. Talking to someone can help point us in the right direction and provide the strength to tackle problems. Reach out early for whatever help you need if you are struggling in any way. If small problems have already become bigger ones, get support now.
Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help where you’ll find the latest advice and financial support available.
Government payments this autumn
Domestic energy customers: monthly credits from October, £400 in total
Households on low income means tested benefits: £324 this autumn
Households on Tax Credits: two instalments, £326 this autumn and £324 in winter
Pensioner households: an extra £300 added to winter fuel payments from mid-November
There will be a third round of the Household Support Fund which will continue from October 2022 to March 2023. Look out for more details on our website and in local press.
How we are supporting you
Over 121,000 Dorset households (properties in council tax bands A-D) received the £150 council tax energy rebate earlier this year, amounting to more than £18 million. A further £2 million has been distributed in Household Support Fund to people on low incomes. This includes working age and older people, care leavers, and families.
