Financial support and advice

Emergency support

You can apply to the discretionary support fund if you live in Croydon and are in financial hardship and need emergency support.

Discretionary support fund

Government Cost of Living Payments

Residents on means-tested benefits are set to receive Cost of Living Payments directly from the government, totalling £650. 

Since 14 July 2022, the government has been automatically paying the first instalment of £326 to eligible households to help with cost of living pressures. The remaining amount will follow in a second instalment in the autumn.

Government Cost of Living Payments

Household support fund

The Household Support Fund can help if you are facing hardship or emergency, including struggling to pay bills or afford food. The scheme provides support, such as vouchers, wherever possible, rather than cash grants.

Household support fund

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding 

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) is providing support of £400 for
energy bills for households in England, Scotland, and Wales without a direct relationship to a
domestic electricity supplier. This support is provided by His Majesty’s Government and is delivered
by local authorities. The scheme is now open to all eligible households across Great Britain until 31
May 2023.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding

Paying for adult social care

If you have less than £23,250 in savings, you may get some or all of your adult social care costs covered. Find out how to get a financial assessment that will determine any financial support you are eligible for.

Energy bills support scheme

The government is providing extra support with energy bills over the winter months through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. All households with a domestic electricity connection in Great Britain are eligible for the £400 discount. 

There is no need to apply, energy suppliers will pay the grant over six months with payments starting from October 2022, to ensure households receive financial support.

If you have a traditional prepayment meter you will receive a monthly credit either automatically when you top up, or with vouchers sent by text, email or post.

You’ll need to redeem vouchers at a top-up point, for example at a Post Office or PayPoint shop. Payzone outlets do not accept vouchers. Vouchers expire after 90 days. Contact your energy provider if your voucher has expired or you haven't received a voucher or automatic credit to your account. Find out more about the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

Help for households - support with energy bills 

You can find further government support such as: the energy price guarantee, warm home discount and the help to heat scheme. Read more about how you can get help with your energy bills.