Cost of living

The rising cost of living pressures can affect any one at any time. If you, or someone you know in West Suffolk are struggling financially at this time, there is support and advice out there that can help.

The Government website has lots of resources and links to support you and your family at this time. The Help for Households campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the support that is available nationally for those that need it most.

Suffolk Infolink details all the support in your community which is local to you and through various national charities and organisations. Please also see Anglian Revenues Partnership - Cost of Living Advice.

Financial Inclusion Service

Our Financial Inclusion team are here to support West Suffolk Residents with their money.
We can:

• check you are getting all the benefits you are eligible for
• check if you can apply for any grants
• provide information about discounts and deals to help reduce spending
• help you on a pathway to deal with debt or access money advice if necessary

We can help with specific queries as well as more general support with your finances. We can also connect you with other local support services where necessary.

You can contact us here: 

Telephone: 01284 757660 Online form: Financial Inclusion Team Enquiry Form  Email: financial.inclusion@westsuffolk.gov.uk

Pension Credit letters

We have recently written to a number of households in the district who we think may be eligible to claim pension credits.

Please be reassured that this is not a scam letter. However, if you would like to check, you can contact the Financial Inclusion team on the telephone number provided.

West Suffolk Council will never ask you for your bank details.

Pension Credit

If you are or have friends or family over State Pension age (currently 66), ask them if they have checked their eligibility. They can find out more here GOV.UK - Pension Credit Overview or by phoning 0800 99 1234. Applications can be made online or over the phone. Back dated applications can be made up until 21 December 2024 to qualify for this years Winter Fuel Payment. You can ask for your claim to be back dated as well.  Our Financial Inclusion team can also provide more information about Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is not just help with heating costs. Getting Pension Credit opens the door to additional benefits such as help with the cost of dental work, glasses and transport to hospital; help with rent or mortgage interest; and help paying Council Tax. Also a free TV Licence for those aged 75 and over.

Suffolk Community Foundation - Surviving Winter Appeal

Do you need support to heat your home this winter? You may be eligible for a surviving winter grant. Suffolk Community Foundation is working with Gatehouse Caring in West Suffolk to manage applications and payments. To see if you are eligible please visit the Suffolk Community Foundation website - or contact Gatehouse Caring on 01284 703835 or email survivingwinter@gatehouse.org.uk 

Update 11 October2024 - Winter Holiday activities - free places at these events under the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, will be extended to other families in financial hardship.