Cost of Living
With the cost of living rising, it’s important to know what support there is for carers. We have collated some information and links to organisations that we hope you will find helpful.
There are various benefits for carers and the person being cared for, such as Carer’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Attendance Allowance. See Benefits for carers and cared for person for more information.
Energy Bills Support Scheme Discount
Households across Great Britain will receive £400 discount on their energy bills this winter. This is a non-repayable discount. The discount will be paid over 6 months with payments starting from October 2022. For more information, see Getting the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount – gov.uk.
Cost of Living Payment
If you or the person you care for receives certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, PIP or Attendance Allowance) or are over State Pension age and get Winter Fuel Payments, you may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living. For more information, see Cost of Living Payment – gov.uk.
Winter Fuel Payment
Once you reach State Pension age, you could receive a Winter Fuel Payment of between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. If you are eligible you should automatically start getting this, however in some cases you may need to apply. The Winter Fuel Payment includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. For more information, see Winter Fuel Payment – gov.uk.
Help from your energy supplier
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, speak to your energy provider as they must offer payment plans you can afford. If you use a prepay meter and cannot top up, you can ask for emergency credit.
Water Bills
Water companies have schemes to help you if you are struggling to pay, or have fallen behind in paying your water bill. For more information, see Water Schemes – turn2us.
Milton Keynes City Council has lots of information for local and national help with the cost of living. For more information, see Cost of living support – Milton Keynes City Council.
Citizens Advice Milton Keynes have collated some information and advice if you are in debt. See Debt, how we can help.
Grumpy Chef, The Pavilion, Linceslade Grove, Loughton, MK5 8DL. You can go there to keep warm, but also if you have no money ask for table 88.
Woughton Community Centre – See the What’s On leaflet.
Lunch drop-in every Thursday, 11.30am – 1.30pm at Kings Community Centre, Creed Street, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5LY.
Unity Park Station Community Club, Unity Station, 401 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1LR every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am – 12.30pm. They offer food, haircuts arts, IT skills and Welfare support.
Most Libraries will be open for drop-in and warm space.
Great Linford Parish Council Breakfast Banter every Monday 9am – 11am in the meeting room. They are offering drink and Breakfast Roll for £1.
Great Linford Parish Council every Tuesday, 12pm – 4pm. Warm food available, games, chat and arts and crafts.
Conniburrow Community Centre every Tuesday, 9.30am – 12pm.
Broughton Pavilion – See poster for details.
Turn2Us – Support with the Cost of Living
Anglian Water – LITE and EXTRA LITE tariffs
MK Storehouse – providing essential items to adults and children school-aged and up
Baby Basics MK – a non-profit charity dedicated to supporting families living in Milton Keynes and the immediate surrounding area who are in financial hardship
Children and Family Centres, Milton Keynes Council – Offering support and activities for families
Please note that Carers MK doesn’t accept responsibility for the content of any external organisations.