Crisis Support
If you're worried about the cost of living crisis, support and advice is at hand...
Community Food spaces
Feeding Liverpool - which is supported by Liverpool City Council - has created a map of community food spaces across the city. You can use it to find out more about food pantries and community shops near you. You can help tackle food waste, build community, and save money, all at the same time. Some may ask you to pay a small fee, to become a member first.
Benefits advice
You can request benefits advice or get help with Universal Credit claims at www.liverpool.gov.uk/bms or check if you qualify online at www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators. You can also call freephone 0800 028 3697 or visit any One Stop Shop. If you’re a social housing tenant, please speak to your landlord.
Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme
If you find yourself in crisis, you can apply for support to get food and basic necessities for you and your family including gas and electric vouchers (urgent needs) and furniture and household essentials (home needs). An emergency or crisis might be a fire or flood, or you have had to move due to violence or fear of violence. Find out if you are eligible at www.liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/help-in-a-crisis/liverpool-citizens-support-scheme/
Debt
Your local Citizens Advice can help you deal with debt. You can book appointments with a specialist advisor by calling 0344 848 7700 or visit www.citizensadviceliverpool.org.uk to find your local office. For details of other organisations go to www.liverpool.gov.uk/debt
Council Tax & Support
If you live in Liverpool, and are worried about paying your council tax, have arrears, or owe other debts to the council, please call 0800 028 3686.
Council Tax Support helps you pay some of your Council Tax if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You can claim whether you own your home or rent, or whether you’re working or unemployed. Find out more: www.liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/housing-benefits/council-tax-support/
Free school meals
Apply today at www.liverpool.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or call free phone 0800 028 3697.
Fuel and energy bills
Our Healthy Homes team can provide free help and advice if you’re struggling to pay your fuel bills, and energy saving hints and tips to help keep you warm and your bills low. They may also be able to help with replacement boilers and windows. Visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/housing/fuel-poverty-and-energy-efficiency/ or call them on freephone 0800 0121 754.
Discretionary Housing Payments
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can give you short term help to pay your rent when Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not meet your rent in full. You can apply if you receive Housing Benefit or the housing cost element of Universal Credit or there is a shortfall between your rent and benefit entitlement. Find out more: www.liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/housing-benefits/discretionary-housing-payments/
Council Tax Energy Rebate
This is a £150 one-off payment for people who live in Band A – D properties. Most of those eligible have now received the payment and you are no longer able to apply.
However, if you are eligible but have not made an application the £150 rebate will now be credited to your council tax account before the end of September.