If you're struggling with the cost of living, a range of financial support, benefits and advice is available.
Government benefits and payments
The Cost of Living Support (GOV.UK) webpages provide information on benefits, employment support, help with bills, housing, childcare, travel and healthcare costs.
You can also use the Government's check benefits and financial support you can get tool (GOV.UK) or our Better Off Calculator to find out what support you may be entitled to.Local cost of living support and advice
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is funded by the UK Government and provides short-term financial help for residents on a low income who may need help with food, household items, energy costs, transport and housing costs.
In Surrey, it is delivered locally by Surrey County Council, district and borough councils, and local community organisations.
Local advice and support
If you live in Surrey, your district or borough council, as well as local charities, may be able to provide advice and support to help with the cost of living. We will update this section as more district and borough councils update their websites.
You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for financial advice and support.
Key areas of support
To make it easier to find the information you need, we've listed some of the key areas where you may need help, along with details of the support available from the government, Surrey councils and utility companies.
You can also find additional support on our Health, wellbeing and financial support webpages.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them 'essential' or 'basic' broadband.
- Food waste reduction
- Food banks and community fridges can help if you're struggling to afford food. Find local support through Connect to Support Surrey or get emergency food assistance from The Trussell Trust.
Local support to stay warm
- Warm Welcome - From 1 November 2026, Warm Welcome venues will reopen at various locations across Surrey. You can drop-in, have a hot drink, get warm and meet people.
- Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) If you think you may be eligible for a government grant, book a visit from the Home Energy Advice Team. They will help identify if you qualify for any grants.
- Warmth Matters on Connect to Support Surrey. Helping people keep warm and pay less for energy.
- Energy Advice Tool can help any Surrey resident reduce their energy use. Visit our Home energy support page to find out more.
- Age UK Surrey provide information to help people stay safe, warm and well in the winter, including money saving tips and advice on benefits and grants, advocacy and counselling.
Government payments
- Cold Weather Payment (GOV.UK) - helps people who receive certain low-income benefits or support schemes with heating costs during periods of very cold weather
- Help to Heat Schemes (GOV.UK) - Find energy grants for your home, including boiler upgrades, and the Warm Homes Local Grant, a government funded scheme that helps low-income households make their homes more energy efficient and cheaper to heat.
- Oil heating costs - Government funding for low-income households that use heating oil is available through local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund, with priority given to areas where more homes rely on oil heating.
- Winter Fuel Payment (GOV.UK) - helps eligible older people with the cost of heating their home during the winter months. See also Winter Fuel Payment scams (GOV.UK). and Check if HMRC will take back your Winter Fuel Payment (GOV.UK).
Electricity and gas suppliers
Electricity and gas suppliers offer advice and payment support to their customers and some also offer grants:
You can contact your local district or borough council for help with the following:
Housing Benefit and Council Tax
- Elmbridge
- Epsom and Ewell
- Guilford
- Mole Valley
- Reigate and Banstead
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- Surrey Heath
- Tandridge District
- Waverley
- Woking
Housing payments
Housing payments, if you are on a low income and need help with your rent.
- Help if you cannot pay your tax bill (GOV.UK)
- Money Helper is a free government backed service offering impartial advice and tools to help you manage your money and pensions.
- Breathing Space - Debt Respite Scheme (GOV.UK) provides temporary protection from most types of debt collection.
Bus passes, tickets and travel discounts
- Bus passes, tickets and travel discounts, including promotions and offers for attractions in Surrey.
- Community transport services including Surrey Connect, Dial-a-Ride and voluntary car schemes, helping people make accessible local journeys.
Bikes
- Borrow Bike is a new library service offering bikes for loan to library members for free.
- Rent an e-bike to travel in and around Guildford.
Sustainable travel
Sustainable travel explore sustainable ways to travel around Surrey, from cycling and electric vehicles to car clubs and lift sharing.
WaterSure
WaterSure is a government scheme that can help reduce your water bill if you're on certain benefits and have high water use because of a medical condition or a larger family.
You must have a water meter, or be waiting for one to be installed. Contact your water company to apply.
Water company schemes
The following water companies offer discounts to eligible residents: