Cost of living support
Help to claim benefits
Help with benefits
You can check if you are entitled to benefits to help with the cost of living. There are a number of organisations who share information about what benefits are available to people on a low income, and how to apply for them.
If you would rather talk to someone for advice about benefits you can contact:
- Your scheme manager
- East Sussex County Council Welfare benefits helpline for free and confidential advice on 0333 344 0681.
- Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove - free money advice service to help older people and their family and carers with general money matters, checking which benefits and payments you're entitled to and advice on managing the increases to the cost of living.
Phone: 0800 019 1310 (open 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday)
Email: info@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Website: ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove
-
Money Helper - Government-backed information and advice website on financial matters. There is also a free phone line 0800 138 7777 (open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday).
- Visit your local library who will be able to signpost you to their partners who can provide financial and benefits advice.
The information you'll need
To find out what benefits you’re entitled to, it would be helpful to prepare accurate information about your:
- savings
- income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
- existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
- outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
- Council Tax bill
Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024
The government has announced when further Cost of Living Payments will be made between spring 2023 and spring 2024. These payments are:
- £301 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during spring 2023
- £150 for people on an eligible disability benefit, to be paid during summer 2023
- £300 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during autumn 2023
- £300 for pensioner households, to be paid during winter 2023 to 2024
- £299 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid in spring 2024