York Talk Money Fortnight - Monday 2 November to Friday 13 November
#It all counts
Small actions can make a big difference when it comes to managing your money. From setting a monthly budget to comparing energy prices or talking through bills over a cuppa, it all counts.
Take a look at our top five money saving checklist:
1. Make sure you are not paying more than you need for Council Tax
- Discounts and exemptions are available for some disabled people, carers, single people or students.
- Council Tax Support can help people on a low income
Advice and support are available if you are behind or struggling to pay your bill, www.york.gov.uk/benefitsadvice or visit your local community centre and ask about money advice.
Check if you can lower your bill at www.york.gov.uk/counciltax
2. Check you're on the cheapest tariff
With utility prices continuing to go up it’s more important than ever to check
if you’re getting the lowest price for your gas and electricity.
Contact your energy supplier and Yorkshire Water to make sure you’re on the cheapest tariff and see how much you can save or use an accredited price comparison website to find and compare energy tariffs.
Shop around for the best deals on broadband, phones and insurance.
If you are behind with your payments, ask you supplier for help.
3. Check whether your children might be eligible for Free School meals
If your household receives Universal Credit, you could save up to £495 per year per child on school lunches.
Remember that you will still need to apply for Free School Meals for your child or children even if you receive Universal Credit.
Check with your child’s/children’s school to find out more.
4. Get help to buy food and milk for pre-school children - Healthy Start
If you’re more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four years
old, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
It's quick and easy to apply at www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply
or by calling 0300 330 7010
5. Extra help for older people – don’t miss out
Pension Credit provides extra income if you’re retired and on a low income, but one in three people who are entitled to it don’t claim. It is separate from your State Pension and you can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
If you get Pension Credit, you can also get other help, including Winter Fuel Allowance and the Warm Home Discount Scheme
Don’t miss out. Check if you are eligible for Pension Credit www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
Claim online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit if you already claim State Pension and you don’t have dependent children or young people.
Or call the Pension Credit claim line and fill in the application over the phone on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm)
Money advice and support for everyone
Talk Money Events
Pop along to one of our York Talk Money community events in November and speak to our friendly experts about how you could make your money go further:
- Monks Cross Shopping Centre Wednesday 4 November 10.00am – 2.00pm
- Tesco Clifton Moor –Wednesday 11 November 10.00am – 2.00pm
York Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
CRF Crisis Payments support residents who are experiencing a sudden money problem or those who need urgent financial assistance, and who do not have enough income or savings to meet the essential costs.
You can apply directly at www.york.gov.uk/crf
There’s also lots of advice and support available in York, online, over the phone and in person. Visit www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsAdvice or call 01904 552044 for more information.
20 plus community advice drop-ins
You can also pop along to one of around 20 weekly drop-in advice sessions at local community centres around the city offering free support with money worries. See the list below or ask at your community venue, visit www.york.gov.uk/TalkMoney or call 01904 551556 for more details.
Thousands of people in York are missing out on benefits and financial support they’re entitled to. With the cost of living still high, it’s more important than ever to make every penny count.
It all counts, save smart, live better.
York Talk Money is here to help you make the most of your money. Whether it’s for your day-to-day spending, or to see you through planned and unplanned events.
