If you’re struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. You may be surprised by what benefits you are entitled to. We have two Welfare and Benefits Advisers who can support you with a benefits check to make sure you are getting everything you are entitled to. Contact us to make an appointment.
Food banks
There are food banks across Manchester for people struggling with the cost of food.
Referral foodbanks
For most foodbanks you need a referral. This can be from your GP, a social worker or health visitor. You can find out more about getting a referral from:
Non-referral foodbanks
You can get some help without a referral. Check these websites to find foodbanks near you:
Manchester Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund provides crisis support to households most in need. It offers financial help to vulnerable households that may be more severely affected by the cost-of-living crisis. The scheme is funded by the UK Government.
This fund will be available between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Learn more and check your eligibility here.
Winter Fuel Payments
Winter Fuel Payments are now means-tested.
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment of £200-£300 for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before 23 September 1958.
You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
You can learn more and check your eligibility here.
Pension Credit
It is estimated that in Manchester around 8,000 people in pension age are missing out on Pension Credit. Pension Credit is an income-based benefit that can be paid in addition to State Pension and occupational or private pensions. If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you may be eligible for other benefits too, such as Winter Fuel Payment (see above).
If you are 66 or older and never had your entitlement to Pension Credit checked, our Welfare and Benefits Adviser can do an entitlement check with you. Contact us to make an appointment.
Alternatively, you can visit the Independent Age website or call them on 0800 319 6789.
Debt Support
Help with School Costs
Need help with school costs? Wood Street Mission provides uniforms and other school essentials such as winter coats, school bags, sports kit and stationery to struggling families in Manchester.
Energy Bills
Struggling with your energy bills? Citizens Advice Manchester have recently launched a new energy team, with a direct number on 0808 164 4406. They can help in lots of different ways, including basic energy advice, energy debt or struggling with bills.
Cheaper Broadband
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
Some useful tips on saving money on Broadband
In financial crisis or need emergency funds?
You can apply for a cash grant of between £30 and £60 with Manchester City Council if you are in crisis or have an emergency that’s out of your control.
Needs Assessments
If you or the person you care for needs extra support within your home you can request a needs assessment. This review will look at any equipment you need via an Occupational Therapist referral. This can include hand rails, a rise and fall chair, slings for hoisting and profiling beds. Get in touch with The Contact Point and we’ll be happy to do these referrals on your behalf.
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). The scheme covers prescription, dental, eyecare, and travel costs, wigs and fabric supports.
Help with the Cost of Medical Equipment
If you use a concentrator machine as part of your home oxygen therapy, Baywater Healthcare will reimburse you for any electricity your machine uses at the standard rate for the electricity provider in that region. They do not refund your entire bill or any standing charges. You can call their helpline on 0800 373 580 to find out more.
For some very specific medical conditions, the NHS will make a contribution to your energy bills. For instance, if you require dialysis at home, the NHS will pay for the electricity needed to run the dialysis machine. You may need to get a separate electricity meter installed for the machine, so they know how much it uses. To find out whether this is something you or the person you care for are eligible for, talk to your GP.
Free SIMs with Internet Access
If you’re a Manchester resident struggling with the cost of living, you can get a free SIM with 6 months worth of data from Manchester City Council. Just pop into your local library and ask.
Manchester Local Care Organisation neighbourhood guides
MLCO are publishing neighbourhood guides with information about local events where you can keep warm, make new friends, and access support.
Warm Welcome Spaces
All Manchester libaries are part of the national Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign.
This campaign seeks to provide safe, welcoming and stigma-free places for people in need of support during the colder winter months. Whether it is accessing free Wi-Fi, a hot cup of tea or the companionship of other people, 22 libraries across the city will be open to those who need them.
The range of support available for people attending libraries will include:
- Age friendly spaces
- Free hot drinks – available until February 2025 (excluding the Central Library)
- Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces for all ages
- Free access to the internet
- Free newspapers
- Information and advice
- Staff who can signpost to other support agencies
- Digital drop-ins one day a week
- Under 5s story times once a week at 11am (more details available via your local library)
- Free SIM cards loaded with 6-months of data, for those struggling with costs. (This is available year-round!)
Free legal advice clinics for Didsbury, Chorlton Park and Burnage residents
Greater Manchester Law Centre, in partnership with Manchester Local Care Organisation and Manchester City Council, are offering free legal advice clinics. This service is available for residents on the neighbourhood wards of Didsbury, Chorlton Park, and Burnage.
In a free, one-off 30-minute meeting, they can help with…
- benefits checks
- disability benefits applications, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals
- housing law issues including evictions, homelessness, disrepair and rehousing
- employment law issues including workplace discrimination, unpaid wages, grievances and disciplinary processes
To book your meeting, please text 07 907 368 415 or email neighbourhoodadvice@gmlaw.org.uk.
Free tech support
If you need a hand with your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other devices, you can now receive help from a Digital Champion volunteer. (This scheme is organised by Manchester City Council.)
Whether it’s help with reading emails, looking up information online, keeping connected to a loved one or anything else digital, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Digital Champion volunteers are happy to guide you every step of the way at your own pace. Let them know how they can help make technology easier for you and keep you connected.
Text your name to 07860064128 or email digitalinclusion@manchester.gov.uk and you’ll be connected with a volunteer for support.
