Money advice and help

Universal credit

If you are of working age and on a lower income you may be eligible for Universal Credit.

Find out if you are entitled by using this online benefits calculator

For more information about welfare benefits and to apply for Universal Credit, visit GOV.UK

Housing benefit

If you’re of State Pension age, live in temporary or supported housing, or get the guarantee part of Pension Credit, you may qualify for Housing Benefit to help cover your rent. This is paid through your local authority. Please contact them for help.

West Oxfordshire District Council
01993 861000 

Cheltenham Borough Council
01242 262626

Cotswold District Council
01285 623000

Gloucester City Council
01452 396396 

Stroud District Council
01453 766 321 

Swindon Borough Council
0345 302 2316 

Tewksbury Borough Council
01684 295 010 

Wiltshire Council
0300 456 0110 

Wychavon District Council
0300 456 0560 

Foodbank

Illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job can happen to any of us.

Foodbank provides the best possible emergency food to help people facing hardship. There are over 1,400 food bank centres across the UK and the services provided may vary from area to area.

• Find your nearest Foodbank

Please note that anyone using the scheme must have a valid Foodbank voucher. Our Communities Team can refer you to Trussell Trust foodbanks and also works with independent foodbanks -  simply contact us

For more information see: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help

Citizens advice

We work in partnership with Citizens Advice Oxfordshire and all Cottsway customers, regardless of where you live, can contact this branch for help and advice.

• Visit: Citizen's Advice
• Email: cottswayhousing@caox.org.uk
• Call: 0300 303 8618

Citizens Advice offers free, independent and confidential advice on:

• Managing debt
• Managing your money and budgeting
• Welfare benefits and whether you qualify
• Applying for benefits
• Completing benefit applications
• Challenging a decision on benefits
• Understanding changes to benefits and how they affect you
• Dealing with change caused my moving in and out of work
• Increasing your working hours

Energy bills

For helpful information and details of where to advice on energy bills and consumption, see:

• Energy costs and help