Supporting our residents this winter

We’ve pulled together resources to help anyone who might be struggling as the weather turns colder – whether that’s because of the cost of living, energy prices or the weekly food shop. These pages will help you to make sure you’re accessing all the benefits you’re entitled to, as well as signpost some free resources to help with money management, avoiding debt, keeping warm, feeding your family and accessing support from the community.

Don’t forget that we also offer support schemes to apply for like Discretionary Housing Payments to help with rent or housing costs, or an Exceptional Hardship Payment to help residents suffering financial hardship or who have personal circumstances that impact their ability to pay their council tax. 

Most of all – don’t forget you’re not alone. Our borough has great community spirit, and we know residents will look out for each other, and if the information you need isn’t here, you can ask our friendly team for help – call us on 01268 882200.

*If you are in receipt of a state pension and will no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you may wish to apply for support through making an application to the Loss of Winter Fuel Payment - Exceptional Hardship Fund* 

Benefits and support

Guidance to help you check you're getting the right benefits and support

• Use our benefits calculator to make sure you're claiming what you're entitled to
• Our cost of living toolkit has information about applying for help with Council Tax, rent & household bills
• How to contact Peabody's Essex Outreach Support team
• If you are moved over to Universal Credit, make sure you make a claim, "don't delay"

Avoiding and managing debt

Avoid bad debt by following this useful guidance

• Citizen’s Advice on applying for Univeral Credit or problems with money or debt
• Top tips for sensible and safe borrowing
• What to do if your Council house rent is in arrears
• To assist in clearing Rent Debt, ask about Discretionary Housing Payments

Managing your money

Tips to help budget management

• Create a personal budget plan with our interactive tool
• Where to turn to for support and advice on money matters
• Visit the gov.uk page on managing money for handy advice
• Essex residents aged 19 and over can access maths courses through a scheme called Multiply

Keeping warm this winter

When it's cold outside make sure you've followed these handy tips to stay warm

• Check out these top tips from the Energy Saving Trust
• See what support is available to help with the cost of living and save money with these energy saving tips from the government
• If you are of Pension Age, and have not thought about claiming Pension Credit, don't delay claim today
• If you are struggling to pay your energy bills

Feeding your family

Hints  and tips to looking after your familiy's healthy, low cost meals

• The Trussel Trust lists food banks across the country
• Visit Love Essex's Love Food Hate Waste resources to find out more about avoiding food waste - and saving money
• Have you checked whether your child is eligible for free school meals?
• Make sure you check out Active Essex's ActivAte free school holiday programme

Crisis support

Help is there if you're facing a financial or mental health crisis

• Looking after your mental health
• What do do if you're at risk of becoming homeless
• Find out more about our Exceptional Hardship Fund
• If you or someone else is in danger call 999 or go to A&E now

Support in the community

Check out these sources of local support this winter

• For support schemes acrosss Essex visit the CAVS website to find out more
• Enjoy a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event at Hadleigh Park. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
• Castle Point Frontline is a directory of local support services available, searchable by different types of need
• Active Essex's Activity Finder can help you find free ways to keep active in your community