Many households are still feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis. The ongoing pressures on household budgets mean that many people need support, and we encourage you to seek help if you are struggling.

Our Welfare Benefits Team is on hand to provide you with assistance.  You can contact them through our Customer Services Team on 03000 11 00 11 or email them at www.welfare.benefits@northstarhg.co.uk

Below you can find further sources of support and advice to help you manage rising costs:

Energy price cap 

The government has announced that the energy price cap (also called the energy price guarantee) will be £1,738 per year for a typical household from 1^st January 2025 to 31^st  March 2025. 

The energy price cap doesn’t limit the total amount a household can be charged; it is based on typical energy use. What is fixed is the cost per unit of energy and the standing charge. This means using less energy can still help you save money on your bills.

You can find out more about the Energy Price Cap here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap

Help with gas and electric bills

Your gas and electricity supplier cannot cut off your supply unless they have offered you a range of prepayment methods to help you pay. Contact your energy provider if you are struggling with your bills – they may be able to offer you support.

Citizens Advice also provides guidance if you’re facing high energy costs: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/information/were-here-for-you-if-you-need-energy-support/

More information about help with high energy costs can be found here: Are you Struggling with High Energy Bills? – North Star Housing Group Ltd

Access to emergency food

If you need access to emergency food, help is available:

• Find your nearest food bank through The Trussell Trust: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
• Discover local community pantries and eco-shops offering low-cost food here. More can be found in the ‘Useful Downloads’ section at the bottom of the page.
• Become a member of Community Grocery for £5 a year. Membership provides access to groceries at much lower prices than traditional supermarkets, and it can be used at all their locations nationwide: https://communitygrocery.org.uk/

More information about help with food costs can be found here: Help with food costs – North Star Housing Group Ltd

Support in your area

Check with your local council what support they offer and what you’re entitled to: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

They may be able to help with:

• Energy bills
• Food bills
• Water bills
• Essential items such as clothes and household appliances

This help is known as “welfare assistance” or the “household support fund”. Each council runs its own scheme, and you don’t need to be on benefits to qualify.

Universal Credit Helper

With the help of the Hyde Foundation, we offer access to a Universal Credit Helper to our customers at https://uc-helper.co.uk/northstar

The helper provides:

• A Universal Credit benefits calculator to check eligibility
• Advice on the application process

For additional assistance, contact our Welfare Benefits Team at ucenquiries@northstarhg.co.uk.

If you’re finding things difficult

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If money worries are affecting your mental health, consider speaking to your GP.

The Mind website also offers helpful advice on seeking support for mental health issues.

Further useful resources can also be downloaded below: