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)

For 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 within this money saving guide will help you to keep on top of your money – and your health – so that it all adds up.

Lincolnshire Community Foundation have RE LAUNCHED the Household Support Fund for those residing in South Kesteven and not in receipt of benefits

Lincolnshire Community Foundation is offering funding to households within South Kesteven who are not in receipt of benefits and currently facing financial hardship. (Please note those in receipt of just Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance are eligible to apply)

Eligible residents can apply for up to £300 in supermarket vouchers, which can be used to purchase food, school uniforms, cleaning products, and other essential items.

For more information and to access application forms, please visit www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk.

If you need assistance, please contact the Household Support Fund team at 01529 305825 or email skhsf@lincolnshirecf.co.uk.

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. The Warm and Wise team can also help to check for eligible benefits and grants for new boilers, and also install energy saving devices if the need is identified through an energy efficiency home check. 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

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire     

Energy Referral

As it continues to turn colder, more people will begin to worry about their energy bills. 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, ensuring people are getting all the help they need from their supplier and identifying any grants or available support. To refer someone for an energy advice appointment, please complete the link below:

www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk/energy-referral-form​

This is subject to adviser availability. We will keep you updated if demand exceeds resource.

 

Tackling Hardship For Older People Referral

If you are aged over 65, you can self refer to Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire's Tackling Hardship For Older People provision.

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire will support you with the following:

• Welfare benefits (e.g. benefit checks, housing benefits, council tax support)
• Support with home adaptations
• Energy saving schemes
• Form filling (e.g. blue badge, attendance allowance)
• Income maximisation and cost of living

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire can also offer food bank vouchers, energy vouchers and small grants for things like white goods and making your living environment more comfortable.

You can self refer by calling 0808 278 7966 and asking for a home visit or you can fill in a quick referral form by clicking the link below:

Tackling Hardship For Older People Referral Form

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 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, to donate a bike or more information, visit Public and community transport | Lincolnshire Wheels for Life information on  (connecttosupport.org).

Household Support Fund paused in East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation due to the volume of applications received are not accepting new applications for the Household Support Fund for those residing in East Lindsey, Boston Borough, South Holland or West Lindsey.

If you have submitted an application, please allow 4 weeks for it to be reviewed and you will be notified of the outcome, however from July 1st 2024, they won't be able to process any more applications.

If you need to discuss this further, please contact the Household Support Fund team at 01529 305825 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 Debtline 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).

Find out more about the The Big Energy Saving Network, returning this winter. 

For support and information about foodbanks in Lincolnshire, see Lincolnshire Food Partnership's foodbanks map.

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).

Find further information on Help to Save - the government savings scheme for low-income earners.