On this page are some useful links and information to help with the cost-of-living crisis. Remember that East Durham Trust is here to help and if you do need support or assistance please do get in touch.
90+ Tips and Tricks for saving money The UK is amid a cost-of-living crisis. Prices are rising at rates we haven't seen since the 1970s – energy, broadband, water, council tax, food, fuel and more. Money Saving Expert have made a guide to saving cash to get yourself through this situation Click here to find out more
GoCompare - Interactive Energy Cost Calculator GoCompare have developed an interactive energy cost calculator tool to find out how much something costs to run. Use the calculator below to pick the appliances you want to compare and select how long they’ll be in use for Interactive Energy Cost Calculator
Turn 2 Us – Benefit calculator Millions of people are missing out on thousands of pounds. Check what you are entitled to now. Turn2us Benefits Calculator
What information you’ll need to do a benefit check:
Current benefits
How much your rent or mortgage is
Council Tax bill for the year and what Council Tax band you are in
Earnings for yourself and partner (if applicable)
Savings and other property owned
Any existing Tax Credits or Working Tax Credits
Turn 2 Us Grants Thousands of one off grants available for local people facing hardship. You can search for grants available for you via either your postcode, occupation, health, religion or nationality. Please follow the link here - Search for charitable and educational grants - Turn2us
Northumbrian Water If you're on a low income or receive pension credit, we may be able to reduce your bill by up to 50%. Who can apply?
If your total household income is less than £16,480, and your annual water bill is more than 3% of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments) or,
If someone in your household receives Pension Credit, and your annual water bill is 3% or more of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments), or
your income is not enough to cover your essential bills - in this case, you'll need a financial assessment from an independent debt advice organisation, such as StepChange Debt Charity, along with your application.
Some energy suppliers have support funds and hardship grants available for customers who are struggling. If a resident is in debt to their energy supplier, they might be able to get a grant from the supplier to help pay it off.
Here's a list of energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers:
Also - if residents can’t get a grant from their own supplier, they might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.
