Further information and advice for help with the cost of living
You may be struggling with living costs for a range of reasons. As well as the information on our website, you may also find additional information and advice on the help with living costs leaflet.
View help with living costs leaflet
Winter Fuel Payment
Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter (2025/26).
No pensioner will need to take any action: you will automatically receive the payment this winter. If your income is above the threshold it will be automatically recovered via HMRC. The payment is £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80.
Text messages claiming to be about ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ are a scam. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and individuals do not need to do anything.
A Direct Debit has gone out of my bank account and now I have no money for food
Food bank vouchers are available through doctors surgeries and housing associations, further details can be found online on King's Lynn Foodbank website.
My boiler has broken and the house gets very cold
Our Care & Repair team may be able to offer an Emergency Repair Grant.
Your energy supplier may also be able to help or offer advice.
I am self-employed and claim Housing Benefit to help with my rent, but I’m not eligible for help with my Council Tax and am falling behind with my bill
If you're having problems paying your Council Tax, you must tell us. We may be able to help. Your bill will usually be spread over 10 months within the financial year. We may be able to stretch the bill over the full 12 months, reducing your monthly instalments. A claim for Discretionary Housing Payment may also help.
You may also be eligible for a further top up to your income. Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
I am struggling to pay for heating oil
If you’re on benefits or have a low income you may be eligible for:
- the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- energy-saving improvement schemes
- home energy support payments
Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
I am currently off work due to ill health and will be getting half my wage, so I need help with rent, bills and money for food
Information for financial support for people on low incomes can be found on the GOV.UK website
For help with Council Tax see our Council Tax Support page.
For assistance with your energy bills, speak with your energy provider. Food bank vouchers can be requested from doctor's surgeries and housing associations.
I have been referred to hospital, but I can’t get there
The Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme may be able to assist.
Further cost of living support and advice is available on our resident support page and the cost of living support on GOV.UK.