Help and support we can provide with your living costs
We understand that there is a rise in the cost of living. If you are in need of urgent support you can request for help from us by completing the Cost of living support form online below.
The Cost of living support form can help with:
- Foodbank referrals
- Support with benefits
- Signposting to available support services
- Helping with referrals
- Digital support
Please note, the Household Support Fund cannot be accessed through our cost of living form. This scheme is administered by Leicestershire County Council but the window for applications is currently paused. More information about the Household Support Fund is available on their website.
You can also access support through My Account, along with multiple other council services.
Food Bank
If you are in urgent need of food and supplies, please use the form above and we can arrange your referral to the local food bank, Storehouse, if appropriate.
As well as offering food supplies to those most in need in our borough, Storehouse also has clothing, bedding, baby equipment and various household appliances and shelter bags for those who are sleeping rough.
They also offer hygiene facilities where our guests can shower and brush their teeth.
Additional financial support
Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Support are short term awards for people in extreme financial hardship to help you meet your housing or Council Tax costs. You can find out if you qualify on our benefits webpages.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is provided by the Government to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need. In Leicestershire, this scheme is managed by Leicestershire County Council, offering support to families or individuals with the cost of fuel or food.
Please Note: Leicestershire County Council have paused the Household Support Fund to new applications, due to unprecedented demand.
More information on the Household Support Fund is available on the Leicestershire County Council website. Alternatively, you can contact our Community Support Hub who can offer you further advice.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.
The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 per year and it opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator (below) to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get.
If you think you are eligible, you can find out more and apply for Pension Credit on the government website. You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Pension Credit Calculator Apply for Pension Credit
Homelessness or at risk
If you are worried about losing your home or are homeless then you should contact the Housing Options Team who can provide you with advice and guidance on what steps you should take. You can find out more information on our homeless or at risk webpages.
Mental Health support
Living with a mental health problem can sometimes feel like too much to cope with and make day-to-day activities difficult. There are lots of situations that can impact on how you feel, but we would like you to know that support is available, and you are not alone.
If you feel your mental health is suffering and you are struggling to deal with everyday situations it may be worth talking to your GP, family or friends.
Mental health and wellbeing support available in Melton.
Other available Support
There is also a variety of Cost of Living support available through central government and other organisations.