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Ealing - Cost of living
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Information about all the different sources of help, benefits, grants and money-saving discounts Ealing council has on offer.
Benefits Calculator
Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and calculate how much you could receive.
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.
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
Discretionary council tax discount
Discretionary council tax discount can be paid to help towards your council tax bill if you are facing financial hardship
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Help with travel costs
If you are eligible you can get a travel discount card from Job Centre Plus.
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.