Cost of living

Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That's why it's important to know what help and support is available now that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour. Below are some sources of support that could help you or someone you know.

• • Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme

    Help for vulnerable residents on a low income in urgent need.

Food support

If you are struggling to feed yourself and your family, you can access support in a number of ways.

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  Foodbanks

  Find foodbanks, get help accessing food and find local businesses and organisations offering support.

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  Holiday activity hub

  Primary and secondary children in Liverpool can enjoy free activity sessions and nutritious meals in the school holidays.

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  Free school meals

  How to apply for free school meals in term-time and check if you are eligible.

Energy bills

Advice and support if you are struggling with the rising cost of energy bills.

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  Apply for help via the Energy Company Obligations (ECO4) scheme

  Energy Company Obligations (ECO4) is a government scheme designed to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. There are two parts to the scheme – Help to Heat and ECO4 Flex. 

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  Save money and get help with your fuel bills

  Small changes to how you use your energy will help you save on your bills. Find out how and where to get help with your bills.

Financial support

Information and advice on what benefits and financial support you may be able to get if you are struggling with household costs.

• Help with debt If you have debt or arrears you can get help from us or an advice agency.
• Benefits advice If you are not sure if you are getting all the welfare benefits that you may be entitled to, we can help.
• Housing Benefit If you are unemployed or on a low income and live in rented accommodation you could get help paying your rent.
• Council Tax Support Council Tax Support helps you pay some of your Council Tax if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits.
• Second adult rebate You can apply if you are single, pay Council Tax and share your home with another adult on a low income who does not pay rent.
• Discretionary Housing Payments Discretionary Housing Payments can give you short-term help to pay your rent.
• Discounts and exemptions See if you're eligible to pay less Council Tax or if your property is exempt.
• Homeless or at risk? If you are homeless, fear you may become homeless or sleeping rough, we can help.
• Household Support Fund The government's Household Support Fund (HSF) helps support some groups with essential living costs such as food and fuel support.

Elsewhere on the web

• Feeding liverpool Feeding Liverpool connects and equips people and organisations to create a city where everyone can eat good food.
• Community Food Spaces Save money on your food bills, or volunteer in your community and tackle food waste - find a Community Food Space near you.
• NHS Healthy Start scheme If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of four, Healthy Start pre-paid cards can be spent on milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.
• Mental health support Struggling to cope, feeling low or stressed by rising costs? See Kind to Your Mind Liverpool website for support and also access urgent help 24/7.
• Warm hubs Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) has compiled a list of warm hubs people can access during the colder months.
• Live Well Directory Information about services for people of all ages and needs, including leisure and social activities and how to stay safe.