Self Help

Self Help

Perhaps you don’t want to come in, but you’re looking for some tips on how you can make your money go further. Here are some links to other advice and websites to get you started. There’s more to come, but for now, broadband, water bills and and a benefits check.

Social Tariffs

Social Tariffs are cheaper deals on things like broadband and your water bill because you are on a low income.

Broadband

Most of the large Broadband companies offer a social tariff if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support. Some providers will also offer them to people on Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance. If you qualify, you can switch to your provider’s social tariff for free at any time. You can also leave your tariff before the end of the contract. You can check if your supplier offers a social tariff at ofcom. You can usually switch online or call them and ask to switch. The tariffs are usually priced between £10 and £20.

Water

Yorkshire Water have a number of schemes for people finding it hard to pay, or on a low income.

Three or more children and on Universal Credit? The Water Sure scheme caps your water bill at £13/m and your sewerage at £16/m. You can find the form here.

Not on a meter but have a bill of more than £350? You could get your bill capped at £350 if you’re on a low income by completing this form.

Are you feeling the benefits?

According to some estimates, almost £15 billion pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed each year. There are so many benefits it can be hard to know what you’re entitled to claim. There is an answer! There are a number of free benefit checkers online. They will ask you a series of questions and then tell you if there are things you can claim for. We like turn2us.