Cost of living

Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That's why it's important to know what help and support is available now that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour.

Below are some sources of support that could help you or someone you know.

• • Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme

    Help for vulnerable residents on a low income in urgent need.

Food support

If you are struggling to feed yourself and your family, you can access support in a number of ways.

• 

  Foodbanks

  Find foodbanks, get help accessing food and find local businesses and organisations offering support.

• 

  Holiday activity hub

  Primary and secondary children in Liverpool can enjoy free activity sessions and nutritious meals in the school holidays.

• 

  Free school meals

  How to apply for free school meals in term-time and check if you are eligible.

Energy bills

Advice and support if you are struggling with the rising cost of energy bills.

• 

  Apply for a Sustainable Warmth Fund grant

  The Sustainable Warmth Fund is a government scheme for local residents to make homes greener and warmer.

• 

  Save money and get help with your fuel bills

  Small changes to how you use your energy will help you save on your bills. Find out how and where to get help with your bills.

• 

  Libraries and archives

  The council's libraries offer warm spaces for all customers with free access to books, wi-fi and public computers from Central Library and 14 community libraries across the city.

Financial support

Information and advice on what benefits and financial support you may be able to get if you are struggling with household costs.

• Help with debt If you have debt or arrears you can get help from us or an advice agency.
• Benefits advice If you are not sure if you are getting all the welfare benefits that you may be entitled to, we can help.
• Housing Benefit If you are unemployed or on a low income and live in rented accommodation you could get help paying your rent.
• Council Tax Support Council Tax Support helps you pay some of your Council Tax if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits.
• Second adult rebate You can apply if you are single, pay Council Tax and share your home with another adult on a low income who does not pay rent.
• Discretionary Housing Payments Discretionary Housing Payments can give you short-term help to pay your rent.
• Discounts and exemptions See if you're eligible to pay less Council Tax or if your property is exempt.
• Homeless or at risk? If you are homeless, fear you may become homeless or sleeping rough, we can help.
• Household Support Fund The government's Household Support Fund (HSF) helps support some groups with essential living costs such as food and fuel support.

Credit unions

Credit unions are a great way to save, bank and borrow. They typically offer lower fees, higher savings rates and a more personalised approach to customer service for their members.

In addition, credit unions may offer lower interest rates on loans, particularly compared to payday or doorstep lenders. They are also suitable for people who may not be eligible for services from a high street lender.

• Central Liverpool Credit Union

  Contact us

  • 0151 708 55154
  • enquiries@clcu.co.uk
  • centralcu.co.uk

• Enterprise Credit Union

  Contact us

  • 0151 482 0177
  • contact@enterprisecreditunion.org
  • enterprisecreditunion.org

• Lodge Lane and District Credit Union

  Contact us

  • 0151 734 2561
  • odgelane.creditunion@phonecoop.coop

• Partners Credit Union

  Contact us

  • 0151 258 1014
  • enquiries@partnerscreditunion.co.uk
  • partnerscreditunion.co.uk

• Riverside Credit Union

  Contact us

  • 0151 448 0565
  • info@riversidecreditunion.co.uk
  • riversidecreditunion.co.uk

Elsewhere on the web

• Feeding liverpool Feeding Liverpool connects and equips people and organisations to create a city where everyone can eat good food.
• Community Food Spaces If you are interested in making new friends, saving money on your food bills, volunteering in your local community or tackling local food waste, use the map to find a Community Food Space near you.
• Warm hubs Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) has compiled a list of warm hubs people can access during the colder months.
• Kind to Your Mind Knowing where to start or who to go to for help can be confusing and stressful. Liverpool has free professional services that can help you deal with these issues and ensure you are getting the support you need to look after you and your mental health.
• Live Well Directory The Live Well Directory has been designed to bring together information about groups and organisations offering services to people of all ages with various needs. The Directory also includes Leisure and social activities and how to stay safe.