Help to manage the cost of living

Talk to someone:

• Welfare Assistance Scheme – Financial assistance if you're facing an immediate financial crisis. Eligibility is based on an assessment of your financial situation. You can only apply for scheme once, it is not intended as an ongoing source of income. Explore your short and long-term options - including debt and budgeting advice, benefit appeals, and the Welfare Assistance Scheme - through your local Citizens Advice.
• Coming Soon – Family Support Hub – dedicated weekly Money Advice at each Family Hub.
  
  

Online resources:

• Hertfordshire Money Advice Unit – debt, benefits and budgeting advice.
• Benefits calculators – check what benefits and financial support you may be entitled to.
• MoneyHelper – cost of living guidance and money tools.
   

If you are struggling to afford food or daily essentials:

• Five Dinners – Get your personalised meal plan and shopping list every week. Sign up and register under Hertfordshire County Council for free – usually £6.99 per month. Offers a range of healthy, affordable recipes
• Community supermarkets – find a wide range of healthy food options and everyday essentials—all priced under £1.
• Free school meals – check if your child is eligible
• Food support – A range of community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need. There is a range of options including:
  • Foodbanks – Free food support for those struggling
  • Food Pantries – Various models, often pay what you can
  • Food Parcels – Food support for those with additional needs or living in rural areas
  • Community Supermarkets – A much reduced cost supermarket

If you are struggling with energy and utility bills:

• Community (Warm/Cool) spaces – places to keep warm or stay cool and connect with others locally 

• Hertfordshire Energy Advice Tool (HEAT) – personalised energy‑saving actions 

• Better Housing Better Health – free, impartial energy and home advice 

• Winter Welfare checks – Age UK handyperson service for older people, delivering light touch interventions to help keep homes warm 

• Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Winter Welfare checks - As part of fire home safety visit, we may also be able to offer practical items to help support residents during periods of excessive heat or colder weather. 

Support for Families:

• Family Centres – Offers a range of service to help families have the best start in life and live healthy and fulfilling lives 

• HAPpy programme – free holiday activities and meals during school holidays 

• Healthy Start – help with food, milk and vitamins for pregnant people and young children 

• Herts Card – discounts on activities and days out 

• School uniform help – speak directly to your child’s school 

• Hertfordshire Baby Bank – baby and children’s items for families experiencing hardship 

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get help with health costs:

• NHS Low Income Scheme – help with costs for prescriptions, dental care, eye care and travel 

• Prescription prepayment certificates – save money if you need multiple prescriptions or continuing health needs 

• Mental health and wellbeing support – local services and NHS support