Cost of Living advice and resources from Citizens Advice and Dudley Empowerment Partnership
Advice and resources:
Priority bill payments
It is important that you manage your budget and bills and avoid missing payments or getting into debt as it can seriously affect your credit rating.
If you are considering future loans or possibly buying your property at some point, or even getting a phone/internet contract and you have arrears this can affect your future chances of getting credit.
Sometimes people have to make hard choices about what gets paid but knowing the consequences for not paying will hopefully make those decisions easier.
The most important payments to make are known as Priority Payments.
If you have to make choices on what to pay first, find below an order of priority payments.
A guide to benefits and how to claim
Information about benefits and how you can claim them:
A guide to cutting your home energy bills
Cutting your home energy bills and making them more affordable doesn’t have to mean making big or expensive changes. Small changes and measures can save you money too:
Affordable broadband factsheet
You may be eligible to move onto a social tariff if you’re struggling to afford your broadband or phone services:
Assure water tariff application form
The Assure tariff can help South Staffs Water 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.
Big Difference scheme
You could get up to 70% off the average Severn Trent bill.
The Big Difference Scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to any Severn Trent customer with a household income below £20,048.08.
Households with child dependants may be eligible for an additional income allowance in excess of this amount.
Discretionary housing payment form
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are extra payments to help pay your rent. These payments are given to people claiming benefit who need more help with their housing costs, if these are more than the amount of benefit received.
Energy advice booklet
Find out more about energy and how to save money:
How to use a fuel bank voucher
Prepaying for energy but not having the money to do so means living without heat and light. The Fuel Bank Foundation provide people with the financial support and practical advice that they need to get back on their feet.
Making the most of your money
Tips and advice from Citizens Advice on how to make the most of your money:
Mobile phones comparisons
Advice on how to save money on your mobile phone:
Self management programme
Self management support from Citizens Advice:
Top tips for making a budget
Budget tips from Citizens Advice:
Turn 2 Us guidance
Turn2us provides information and support about welfare benefits and charitable grants:
Weekly spending diary with tips
A handy spending diary created by Citizens Advice: