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Supporting you through the rising cost of living

Council tax, benefits and financial support

A range of advice, guidance and contact details to ensure you know where to get the support you may need during the current cost of living crisis.

Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment

Are you or someone you know eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it? 

Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they're over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

Checking entitlement is easy with an online calculator. Pension Credit Calculator (opens new window).

In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support like help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to three months, (ticking the backdating box on the claim form). This means that the latest date to apply, and still qualify, for Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.

For more information, please visit Pension Credit (gov.uk) (opens new window).

Household Support Fund

This funding is to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs during the current cost-of-living challenges and particularly those who may not be eligible for the other forms of Government support.

Grants paid from this funding are different to the GOV.UK: Guidance - Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 (opens new window) paid direct to those eligible by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The latest round of funding is being distributed through partner organisations and council departments between now and 31 March 2025.

Find out about the help and support available from the Household Support Fund 6 (HSF6).

Council tax

  • Discounts and exemptions - find out if you qualify for a council tax percentage of discount or a complete exemption from paying council tax

Benefits

  • GOV.UK - Universal Credit (opens new window) - monthly payment to help with your living costs if you are of working age. If you don't have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment (or first payment after notifying of a change in circumstances) you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment
  • Housing Benefit - If you are on a low income, even if you are working, you may be able to get help with your rental costs

Financial support

FUEL - support for eligible families during the Christmas holidays

FUEL is the holiday activity and food programme (HAF) is funded by the Department of Education. FUEL provides eligible school-aged children with free access to enriching activities, nutritious meals and healthy eating information during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.

The HAF programme is delivered in Wiltshire using the brand FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter) and the programme is a direct response to the growing issue of holiday hunger. The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has supported more than 10,000 children, since launching in 2021.

More information at FUEL Programme.

Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries

Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme (opens new window) is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.

The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:

  • you have no or poor access to the internet at home
  • you have no or poor access to the internet away from home
  • you can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up

If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment or complete the National Databank application form.

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