Oxfordshire Cost of Living Support

The cost of living has been rising at a rapid rate. If you are concerned about recent price hikes for food, housing, bills, or any other expenses there is support available. We have included some information below. Please contact us for more details or if you have any questions at 01865 725 595 or info@MyVision.org.uk

One of the fastest rising costs of living has been the price of energy. Luckily, there are measures in place to make the bills more manageable.

All households will receive a £400 reduction in their electricity costs which will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023.

If you were born before 25 September 1956 and receive a State Pension you could be eligible for the ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ and receive between £250 and £600 to help pay your heating bills. You may also be eligible for other similar benefits such as the ‘Warm Home Discount’.

If you are unable to pay your energy bills, you may be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants, and support from your provider. It is, however, crucial to contact your provider as early as possible.

You can get further help or advice with managing your energy bills by contacting your local council, speaking to Citizens Advice at 0800 114 8848, or reaching out to Better Housing, Better Health Service at 0800 107 0044.

Many water companies run hardship schemes to fund independent charitable trusts which can help with your bills.

There are several free and confidential online benefit calculators such as Turn2us, Entitledto, and Policy in Practice that you can use to see if you qualify for any benefits. You can also contact Citizens Advice or the RNIB Benefits team for their advice.

You may be eligible to claim a tax-free childcare benefit and receive up to £500 for 3 months. Families with young children may also be eligible to receive free childcare. Other benefits such as free school meals and further childcare benefits are also available.

We can help make things easier in these uncertain times by offering a variety of daily living aids such as cooking aids, magnification, and clocks. We also provide technology training, as well as counselling services, and support groups throughout the county.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us or refer to the resources below for answers and advice.

Citizens Advice:

www.citizensadviceoxford.org.uk

phone: 0808 278 7909

Oxfordshire Council:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk (search for living costs)

phone: 0186 581 6000

Better Housing, Better Service:

www.bhbh.org.uk

phone: 0800 107 0044

Help for Households (Gov):

helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

RNIB Benefits:

phone: 0303 123 9999