Money and debt
Worried about your finances and bills? Help is at hand!
Residents of Barking and Dagenham who may be struggling with their finances and may be struggling to make ends meet are being encouraged to get in touch.
There are a number of help and support services available from the council.
Community Food Clubs
Our Community Food Clubs which are free of charge and can provide £20 worth of food per week for a period of either 3 or 6 months. Find out more on our Community Food Club page.
Help with budgeting
Our help with budgeting pages that provide an income and expenditure calculator and budgeting tools that will help people understand how much money they have coming in and how much is going out, helping people look at areas where they can make savings. Find out more on our help with budgeting page.
Help with energy costs
People struggling with increasing energy costs should contact their energy supplier about possible funds they may be entitled to, to help them through difficult periods. They can also access the Warm Homes Grant on the GOV.UK website.
Disability and sickness benefits
People with disabilities not claiming specific disability benefits may be to take advantage of a number of benefits available, Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance (for children), and if on Universal Credit with limited capacity to work. For those who are caring for someone with disabilities they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance although this is means tested, on the GOV.UK website.
Water bills
People with a water meter and are experiencing financial difficulties may want to look into the Watersure scheme on the Ofwat website. Most water companies also have a fund to help those who are struggling, and it might be worth contacting their water provider.
Help finding work
People who are out of work and looking to get into employment can get help and support from our Job Shops on our help finding work page.
Adult College
Those worried about a lack of skills, our Adult College has a very full offer on the Barking and Dagenham Adult College website.
Hardship Fund
Residents who need help with emergency living expenses for food, fuel (gas and electric for customers who pay via a key meter), travel expenses and household appliances and/or clothing in exceptional circumstances can apply for help from the council’s Hardship Fund (Individual Assistance Payment) on our Hardship Fund page.
Homes and Money Hubs
Residents can also contact our Homes and Money Hubs which are open for a drop in at Barking Learning Centre and Dagenham Library from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday or via homesandmoneyhub@lbbd.gov.uk.
Advice if you're struggling with living costs at Citizens Advice.
How to claim statutory sick pay (SSP) at GOV.UK.
Employment and support allowance (ESA) at GOV.UK.
If you need advice on financial planning, including expenses and what expenses have been “frozen”, please visit the Money Helper website.