Information, advice and help with rent, bills and general household costs
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) was launched in England. This is a new Government-funded programme designed to help people deal with a financial shock and prevent repeat crisis. The new fund also includes changes to Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
If you are eligible for Pension Credit, this could mean extra weekly money and access to a range of other benefits.
Although Pension Credit is means tested, you may still qualify if you have savings or if you own your own home.
Household Support Fund
We’ve been given government funding as part of the Household Support Fund. Find out how it could help you here:
Struggling to pay rent
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) was launched in England. This is a new Government-funded programme designed to help people deal with a financial shock and prevent repeat crisis. The new fund also includes changes to Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).
Rent Income Support
Are you a council tenant and having trouble paying your rent or concerns for future payments? Call 0300 555 0010 between 9 and 5 for advice and support, including council tax payments.
Private Rented Accommodation
If you are a private tenant, we can provide advice for issues like repairs, or if you've received a notice to leave the tenancy.
- Private tenants
- Call Dudley Council Plus 0300 555 2345
- GOV.UK - Private renting
Worrying about money
Please note the Welfare Rights service is now closed.
Help and advice is still available if you are worrying about money.
Struggling with energy bills
- support in a crisis if you can't afford your energy costs
- help if your heating breaks down
- support with fuel debts, grants and payment plans
- help with energy bill support, discounts and grants
- advice around understanding costs and tariffs
- help with reducing energy use, waste and carbon emissions
- Energy Advice
- Email winterwarmth@dudley.gov.uk
- or call 01384 817086
Prepayment meters for gas and electricity
Citizens Advice offer guidance if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter.
If you’re on benefits or have a low income you may be eligible for:
- the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- energy-saving improvement schemes
- home energy support payments
To find out more search 'Alternative fuels payment' into the search bar on GOV.UK or an internet search engine, or contact the GOV.UK helpline team.
Maths skills for everyday life
Together, we can help more residents build skills, confidence and pathways into employment, further learning and improved wellbeing.
- 01384 818143 or email acl@dudley.gov.uk.
Struggling with water bills
Severn Trent Water - The Big Difference Scheme
The Big Difference Scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to any Severn Trent customer with a household income below £23,492.
South Staffordshire Water - Assure Tariff
The Assure Tariff can help customers who are on a low income or struggling to pay their water charges. It aims to reduce water poverty and make bills more affordable. If your household income is less than £19,050 per year, you may qualify.
South Staffordshire Water Charitable Trust
Save water, Save money
When it’s cold and wet, saving water may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, by joining Get Water Fit and taking a quiz, you can get a personalised plan of easy wins and order water-saving gadgets. One of the newest features is live video chat, so you can get advice and support, when you need it.
Home Broadband, Telephone and Technology
Social tariffs: cheaper broadband and phone packages
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. These offers are sometimes called 'essential' or 'basic' broadband by the providers. They're delivered in the same way as regular packages, just at a lower price.
Black Country Connected
Black Country Connected is a programme to loan residents in the Black Country a Geobook Laptop with an option to receive connectivity to enable them to access information such as health and social care, well-being sites, general information sites, educational/college sites, social media and online shopping. Users can also connect with people/organisations via email, video call and apps.
Mobile Phone SIMs
Dudley Libraries
Dudley Libraries are offering people the chance to get a free SIM card. They are being offered at all library branches across the borough.
You can qualify if you are on a low income and are over 18 years old.
The mobile phone operators available via this offer are Vodaphone, O2 and Three.
- Vodaphone SIM - 40gb data + free calls and text. Lasts for 6 months. Refreshes automatically for another 6 months.
- O2 SIM Voucher - 20gb data + free calls and text. (This is issued via a voucher by library staff)
- Three SIM - 24gb data only.
To find out more, visit your local library or go to National Databank website.
Or contact Dudley Libraries Partnership Manager Stephanie Rhoden
- Telephone 01384 814101
Dudley Adult and Community Learning
Dudley residents who enrol on a course with Adult and Community Learning may qualify for a free SIM.
The SIM can be used to get free mobile data. With this you can access the internet, emails and other online services as well as texts and phone calls.
(This offer is provided by the National Databank and the Good Things Foundation)
- Adult and Community Learning
- Email ACL@dudley.gov.uk
- Telephone 01384 818143
Work on your house
Boilers and keeping warm
We may be able to help you manage your bills or even provide some funding.
- Telephone: 01384 817086
- Email: winterwarmth@dudley.gov.uk
Private rented tenants
If you are a private tenant, we can provide help and advice if you have issues with your tenancy. For example, if you've received a notice to leave the tenancy. If your private rented home does not meet health and safety standards, we can support you in talking to your landlord.
Traders
We maintain a list of reputable traders called "Fix-a-home" covering building, electrical, plumbing amongst other services.
Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant to improve a home
You could get free energy saving improvements made to your home if you’re on a low income, getting certain benefits or living in a certain postcode area.