Housing Support

• If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant and are struggling to pay your rent, you should contact your landlord in the first instance. Council tenants who make contact may be able to arrange for their debts to be paid over a longer period or by direct debit and will also receive advice about the support they are entitled to.
• If you are of pension age, then you may be able to claim  Housing Benefit.
• Discretionary Housing Payments can provide financial support for rent or housing costs to those who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (but not the maximum amount).
• The Homelessness Prevention Fund can be used as short-term help for someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. For further information call the Housing Solutions Team (0114 273 6306).
• Private rented tenants struggling to pay their rent and at risk of homelessness can contact the Sheffield City Council Housing Solutions Team on 0114 273 6306.
• If you are worried about paying your rent or mortgage, you can find information and advice on  Shelter’s website and via their freephone line (0808 800 4444). You can also contact your local Shelter team on 0344 515 1515 or email Sheffield_Hub@shelter.org.uk if your landlord has threatened or taken action, served you with a notice or there is a court order in place.

Grants and Funding

• Council Tax Support is available for those on low incomes. In addition, the Council Tax Hardship Scheme provides further support to those who receive council tax support but are still unable to meet their council tax costs.
• The Household Support Fund is available for those who need urgent support coping with the cost of living crisis, providing advice on a wide range of hardship grants and support schemes. The fund team can be contacted online or by phone (0114 273 4567).
• Citizens Advice Sheffield are also available to support people to claim for Universal Credit through their Help to Claim service available online or over the phone.
• Families who are eligible for Free School Meals will continue to receive vouchers over some school holidays this year. Further information about this scheme is available online.
• Sheffield Credit Union is on hand to provide affordable loans and savings advice for those who need it. The credit union can help build and improve credit records to improve your access to mainstream financial services.
• Many households will be receiving a £150 energy tax rebate from the government this year. For more information, and to see if you are eligible, you can check online.
• The Local Assistance Scheme provides grants to support independent living and for those in crisis situations who are not receiving help.

For Organisations

• South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has set up a Sheffield Cost of Living fund. This will soon be available to provide grants for organisations such as food banks that are supporting local people with the cost-of-living crisis.