Ealing - Cost of living

Benefits Calculator

Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and calculate how much you could receive.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/benefits_and_financial_support/286/calculation_of_housing_benefit_and_council_tax_reduction

Housing Benefit

Housing benefit can help towards your rent if you are on a low income.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/homepage/43/housing_and_council_tax_benefit

Council tax reduction

Council tax reduction can help you pay your council tax if you are on a low income.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/benefits_and_financial_support/2121/council_tax_reduction_scheme

Council tax discounts and exemptions

If you are a single person, have a disability or have a property that is exempt you may be entitled to a discount or exemption on your council tax.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201191/council_tax_discounts_and_exemptions

Household support fund

The household support fund provides help directly to eligible families, pensioners and care leavers to go towards food and essential items.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/benefits_and_financial_support/3043/household_support_fund

Local welfare assistance

Local welfare assistance is an emergency financial payment that can be applied for if you are facing an immediate financial crisis. It can help towards basic essentials including energy.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201305/other_financial_support/1532/local_welfare_assistance

Discretionary housing payments

If you receive housing benefit or universal credit, you may be able to apply for a discretionary housing payment to help with housing costs

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/housing_benefit_and_council_tax_support/304/discretionary_housing_payments_and_discretionary_council_tax_discounts/1

Discretionary council tax discount

Discretionary council tax discount can be paid to help towards your council tax bill if you are facing financial hardship

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/housing_benefit_and_council_tax_support/304/discretionary_housing_payments_and_discretionary_council_tax_discounts/1

Community benefits team

The community benefits team provides general advice about benefit entitlements.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201148/community_advice/254/community_benefits_team

Help with childcare costs

If you have a two-year-old and are on a low income or receiving benefits, you are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. Children aged three and four could be eligible for an additional 15 hours.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201022/childcare_and_early_years/198/childcare_funding/2

Support for school aged children

There is a variety of support available for school aged children, 16–19-year-olds and university students including free school meals, help towards travel expenses and school holiday schemes.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201111/education_grants_and_financial_assistance

Benefits calculator

Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and calculate how much you could receive.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Personal budgeting support (LWA)

The local welfare assistance team can provide you with personalised advice on how to manage your budget so you can feel more in control of your finances. Learn Ealing, the council’s adult learning team also has free maths workshops and courses as part of a Multiply project such as moneysaving tips, manage your money and avoid debt, credit cards and interest rates and balancing income with expenditure.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201305/other_financial_support/1532/local_welfare_assistance

Community benefits team

The community benefits team provides general advice about benefit entitlements.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201148/community_advice/254/community_benefits_team

Credit Union

Fair savings and loans.

Website: https://www.londoncb.co.uk/

Debt advice

Get independent and free advice from an organisation that specialises in supporting people who are in debt.

Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

How much does it cost to run appliances in the home

Find out how much typical household appliances cost to run and which might be costing you the most money.

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/check-how-much-your-electrical-appliances-cost-to-use/

Social tariffs for cheaper broadband and data

If you are on a low income, you could be paying less for your broadband or mobile phone bills.

Website: https://www.choose.co.uk/broadband/guide/social-tariffs/

Money saving ideas

Get ideas on how to save money on every day items and shop around for the best deals.

Website: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

Freecycle

Find household objects being given away for free in your local community.

Website: https://uk.freecycle.org/Saving

Healthy Homes Ealing

A free service available to all residents that provides advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and what grants might be available to you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201099/energy_efficiency_advice

Energy Saving Trust

Trusted and independent advice on how to save energy.

Website: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

How much does it cost to run appliances in the home

Find out how much typical household appliances cost to run and which might be costing you the most money.

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/check-how-much-your-electrical-appliances-cost-to-use/

Green homes grant

If you are living in a home with an energy rating of D, E, F, or G, you may be eligible for a green homes grant.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201098/energy_efficiency/2764/green_homes_grant

What to do if you cannot top up your prepaid meter

Your energy company can offer support if you are unable to top up your prepaid meter.

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/you-cant-afford-to-top-up-your-prepayment-meter/

Handy person’s scheme

If you are eligible for this service, you can get help with small jobs around the home.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201105/improvements_and_repairs/1387/handyperson_service

Warm spaces

Find a warm space near you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201320/cost_of_living_support_and_advice/3116/warm_spacesSaving

COVID and flu jabs

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201262/coronavirus_covid-19/2765/coronavirus_covid-19_vaccines

Staying well this winter

Information and advice from the NHS on staying well in cold weather and what to do if you feel unwell.

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

Stay warm this winter

Age UK offers advice on how to stay warm and well this winter.

Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/stay-healthy-in-winter/

Healthy Homes Ealing

A free service available to all residents that provides advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and what grants might be available to you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201099/energy_efficiency_advice

Day care centres

The council’s day care centres provide tailored activities to older people and those with learning disabilities.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201082/what_to_expect_from_adult_social_care/126/ealing_day_centres

Help with care costs

Find out if you could be entitled to financial support towards your care costs by asking for a financial assessment.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201082/what_to_expect_from_adult_social_care/2048/paying_for_your_care

Handy person’s scheme

If you are eligible for this service, you can get help with small jobs around the home.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201105/improvements_and_repairs/1387/handyperson_service

Warm spaces

Find a warm space near you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201320/cost_of_living_support_and_advice/3116/warm_spacesSaving

There are a number of council run buildings that are open during the day and are open to visitors.

Libraries 

Get online, use the free wifi, borrow a book at one of Ealing’s libraries or attend courses such as maths workshops, digital for beginners and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201241/find_your_library

Leisure centres

Visit one of our leisure centres offering a vast range of facilities including swimming, badminton, dance classes and female only gyms.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201142/sports_facilities

Community centres

Community centres across the borough offer a variety of activities for people of all ages. Your local community centre will have a programme of events.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201128/community_venues/191/community_centres

Children’s centres

There are 25 children’s centres each providing a range of activities aimed at children aged 0-5 and their families.

Website: https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/family.page?familychannel=2

Day care centres

The council’s day care centres provide tailored activities to older people and those with learning disabilities

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201082/what_to_expect_from_adult_social_care/126/ealing_day_centres

Healthy Homes Ealing

A free service available to all residents that provides advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and what grants might be available to you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201099/energy_efficiency_advice

Family information service

Ealing Family Information Service (FIS) gives information, advice and guidance for children, young people and families across the borough.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201022/childcare_and_early_years/838/family_information_service

Household support fund

The Household support fund provides help directly to eligible families, pensioners and care leavers to go towards food and essential items.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201103/benefits_and_financial_support/3043/household_support_fund

Healthy Start scheme

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

Website: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Ealing Baby Bank

Ealing’s Baby Bank, run by the Salvation Army provides a variety of clothes and essential items to families in need.

Website: https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/service.page?id=DkIDLYfmObc

Help with childcare costs

If you have a two-year-old and are on a low income or receiving benefits, you are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. Children aged three and four could be eligible for an additional 15 hours.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201022/childcare_and_early_years/198/childcare_funding/2

Help for students

If you are a parent who wants to study or train, you may be able to get help paying for childcare while you study.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201022/childcare_and_early_years/198/childcare_funding/6

Children’s centres

There are 25 children’s centres each providing a range of activities aimed at children aged 0-5 and their families.

Website: https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/family.page?familychannel=2

Free school meals

If you receive certain benefits, your children could also be entitled to free school meals.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201111/education_grants_and_financial_assistance/701/free_school_meals

Holiday activity and food (HAF) programme 

If your child receives free school meals then they could attend one of the holidays and food schemes providing exciting activities and sports programmes during the school holidays.

Website: https://www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/ealing/directory/haf.page

Help with school travel costs

If you have child aged between 5-16 and have a low income, you can apply for help with travelling to school.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201111/education_grants_and_financial_assistance/707/help_with_school_travel_costs

Healthy Homes Ealing

A free service available to all residents that provides advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and what grants might be available to you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201099/energy_efficiency_advice

Help with finding work

Ealing Council’s employment, learning and skills team offers practical support to those looking for a new or better job.

Website: https://workealing.com/

Help with training

The council’s adult learning team can help you with CV writing and interview preparation, improving your skills and qualifications, health and wellbeing and even manage your finances better.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201108/learning_and_schools/2814/adult_learning

Job clubs

Learn Ealing, council's adult learning team, offers job clubs in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, hospitality and warehouse and supermarkets.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201013/jobs/1517/work_clubs

Apprenticeship scheme

Information about apprenticeships at the council. 

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201010/business/2805/apprenticeships

Council jobs

Find out what job opportunities there are working for Ealing Council.

Website: https://jobs.ealing.gov.uk/

Flexible support fund for job seekers

Job Centre Plus may be able to offer you a flexible support fund to help towards costs of finding employment.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport#support-for-the-unemployed

Help with travel costs

If you are eligible you can get a travel discount card from Job Centre Plus.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport

Help for students

If you are a parent who wants to study or train, you may be able to get help paying for childcare while you study.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201022/childcare_and_early_years/198/childcare_funding/6v

Do Something Good

If you would like to donate your time, develop your skills or support your community find a volunteering opportunity that suits you.

Website: https://www.dosomethinggood.org.uk/

Warm spaces

Find a warm space near you.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201262/coronavirus_covid-19/2765/coronavirus_covid-19_vaccines

Workshops and courses

Explore workshops and courses by the council’s adult learning team that can help to improve your health and wellbeing.

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

Stay active

Visit one of our leisure centres offering a vast range of facilities including swimming, badminton, dance classes and female only gyms.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201137/sports_and_leisure

Healthy start scheme

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

Website: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Adult social care

There are a range of services available to older and vulnerable adults in the borough.

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201073/health_and_adult_social_care

Community support directory

Search the directory for information, advice and guidance from organisations, support groups and charities in Ealing.

Website: https://www.dosomethinggood.org.uk/directory