Cost of Living Support
Lincolnshire councils, alongside stakeholder groups including the Integrated Care Board, health and care providers, faith and community groups, charities and local businesses have come together to help support residents.
A taskforce was set up to review the potential impacts caused by the cost of living through the autumn/winter 2022 and to harness effort across all partners to help in supporting, where possible, the communities of Lincolnshire. The work of the taskforce and the associated resources and support available can still be accessed here.
Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council (lincolnshire.gov.uk)
Lincolnshire District Councils - Cost of Living Support pages (click on the logos below):
Money Saving Guide
You might be able to claim extra benefits to help increase your income, get discounts, or find quick, simple ways to reduce your outgoings. Whether you’re worried about rising rents, covering higher energy costs or tackling debt, the information, contacts and practical ideas in this money saving guide will help you to keep on top of your money and your health.
Social Tariffs by Ofcom
Ofcom has a list of social tariffs that show cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. These are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at lower prices and are often labelled 'essential' or 'basic' packages.
Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages - Ofcom (www.ofcom.org.uk).
Pension Credit
If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get other help with:
- Heating Costs
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Rent and Council Tax
- A free TV licence for those aged 75 or over
- The cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit.
For eligibility, visit Pension Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or call 0800 99 1234.
Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership
The Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership has a list of the currently available foodbanks and affordable food providers in Greater Lincolnshire. Visit their website for details of a foodbank near you: Foodbanks & affordable food across Greater Lincolnshire – Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership
Gov.uk
The Government website provides an overview of:
Free home energy checks from Age UK's Warm and Wise team 
If you are aged 50 or over and living in Lincoln and the South Lincolnshire area, Age UK can provide personalised support for those needing free energy saving advice, help with meter readings and navigating energy bills and much more
- Home Energy Assessment
- In-depth personalised energy advice
- Tariff switching advice
- Benefit checks
- Information on applying for a £150 Warm Home Discount
- Priority Services Registration
- Explaining smart meter benefits
- Help and advice with home improvement grants
- Practical tips and support to keep your home warm in winter
- Installation of free energy-saving devices such as draught excluders, timers, and LED light bulbs
Find further information on the Age UK website at Warm & Wise project services or telephone 03455 564 144, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
Warm Welcome Spaces
The Warm Welcome Spaces portal allows residents to find warm space locations in their community. For a list of organisations and venues registered as a warm space, visit: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space
To register your Warm Welcome Space, visit: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/
Community Connectors
Connectors help people connect with services and resources in their local area. They make it easier for people to find the support they need and build connections with different kinds of help to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Hubs are led by Community Connectors who provide free, confidential support and advice and signpost you to other services in the local area.
Find your local Wellbeing Hub at How Are You Lincolnshire | Wellbeing Hubs
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire 
The cost-of-living crisis is squeezing household incomes tighter than ever and energy is a growing concern. At Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, we can offer energy advice. Our Adviser can help with energy savings tips and cost of living debt and money support.
Visit Debt and money - Citizens Advice for more details.
Wheels for Life
Many of us know the benefits of cycling upon our health, wellbeing and social mobility, but finances don't always allow us to have the use of a bicycle. Wheels for life is a bike donation scheme that refurbishes pre-loved bikes and distributes them free to people who would otherwise not be able to access or afford one.
For more information about how to refer someone for a free bike, or to donate a bike and more information, visit Wheels for Life (Active Lincolnshire).
Household Support Fund
The Lincolnshire Community Foundation began supporting the distribution of the Household Support Funds in March 2023 collaborating with district councils in East Lindsey, Boston Borough, South Holland, South Kesteven and West Lindsey to support those households most in need. As an independent charity, this support in funding is directly aligned with allocation by these District Councils. More details on funding will be announced soon. If you need to discuss this further, please contact the Household Support Fund team on 01529 572575 or email hsf@lincolnshirecf.co.uk.
Useful Resources
For information about managing money and debt, support with energy and household costs, and help with housing, visit our Managing Money and Debt page.
If you need to ask your bank to pay particular bills out of your account, National Debt line have a sample letter template you can use: https://nationaldebtline.org/sample-letters/ask-your-bank-pay-particular-bills/
For mental health information and support, visit our Mental Health page.
For steps to stay fire safe, see Cost of Living: Steps to stay fire safe (England) (National Fire Chiefs Council).
For advice and support for families regarding their childcare costs, visit Childcare Choices.
For information about being active and moving more for less, visit Cost of Living - Let’s Move Lincolnshire (letsmovelincolnshire.com).
There is a Holiday Activities and Food Programme for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals
For free advice and support if you are experiencing issues with home energy or are living in, or at risk of living in fuel poverty, visit Better Housing Better Health (BHBH).
More details can also be found at Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council
