Benefit and money advice

There are a list of useful tools and organisations listed below that can help if you require benefit and money advice. If you are a Cheltenham Borough Homes tenant, you can directly contact their benefit and money advice team for assistance.

Benefits calculator

You can use an independent benefit calculator to give you an estimate. 

Help for Households

Countries around the world are facing rising goods and energy prices, inflation and cost of living pressures after the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

We know people are worried so the government is offering help for households.

See what cost of living support you could be eligible for.

Mental ill-health and debt

Download a free mental health and debt guide from MoneySavingExpert.com.

Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK. 

If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, they're here to help and keep you safe.

Social tariff broadband deals

Millions of households on low incomes are missing out on average savings of almost £150 a year on their broadband bills, according to Ofcom.

Please contact your current provider to enquire if they offer discounted deals for customers on certain welfare benefits.

Council tax discretionary hardship relief

Council tax discretionary relief is intended to provide short term help to council tax payers who are suffering financial hardship.

Council tax energy rebate scheme

Find information about the council tax energy rebate scheme.

Severn Trent - help with paying your bills

It is always worth checking if you are eligible to apply to some of their schemes to assist with your bill.

Government launches support for vulnerable households 

Vulnerable households across the country can access a new government support fund to help them with essentials over the coming months as the country continues its recovery from the pandemic.

Gloucestershire County Council manage the fund for the six local authority districts. You can find out how to apply on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

The fund has now been extended for a further six months to assist with the rising costs of essentials.

Gloucestershire Welfare Support Scheme

The Gloucestershire welfare support fund provides practical support to eligible adults and families for food, gas/electricity top ups and household items such as furniture including white goods and appliances.

Money Helper

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government.

Warm Home Discount Scheme 

You could get money off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme, so don't forget to check with your current energy provider.

Pension Credit

Pension credit is a tax-free, means-tested benefit aimed at retired people on low incomes and can be worth £1,000s a year. Plus, if you claim it, you can access many other benefits including council tax discounts and free TV licences for over-75s. However, almost one million eligible households don't claim. More information regarding eligibility and how to claim can be found on the GOV.UK pension credit pages.

Food vouchers and pantries

Help through hardship  - Citizens Advice and the Trussell Trust have come together to develop a free helpline for people struggling to afford the basics. Operating in England and Wales, the helpline offers personalised advice and support to help address the underlying causes of the hardship, as well as a quick and seamless referral to a food bank for people if required.

The West Cheltenham Community Pantry was set up by the Hesters Way Partnership to support individuals and families in the local community who are struggling to pay for their weekly shop.

Springbank Community Group has also developed a Community Food Pantry.

Healthy Homes

Can you afford a warm and healthy home?

Citizens Advice can help to keep you warm and healthy in your own home.

Assistance with a deposit and rent in advance to secure a private rented property

Most landlords will ask for at least a month's rent in advance and a month's deposit. You may be able to get funds by applying for a discretionary housing payment if you meet the criteria.

Cheltenham Household Essential Project

This local project collect essential household items in good condition and store these to create a free ‘shop’ for people who are moving into accommodation and have nothing, or others who are in urgent need of help.
They have a dedicated Cheltenham Household Essential Project Facebook page or further details can also be found on the Springbank community group website.

Freecycle Network

Freecycle are a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.

SSAFA - Gloucestershire

SSAFA are an armed forces charity who provide lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force, and to their families.

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

Over 1million people would be better off applying for a Prescription Prepayment Certificate if they use more than one NHS prescription per month.