Finance

This page provides information about managing your finances in the UK - covering benefits, council tax, assistance with costs related to children, and other sources of support. You may also qualify for a small emergency grant from Elmbridge CAN - read on for more details.

Please note that most of the information below is only relevant if you have permission to remain in the UK. For information about the UK asylum system, including related financial support, see Right to Remain.

UK Benefits System

If you have access to public funds in the UK, including if you have refugee status or are here under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and you are on a low income, you can get help from the benefits system. You can find information about how to apply for Universal Credit on this government website: Universal Credit.

To get information about what help you might be entitled to, you can use a benefits calculator such as Tackling Financial Insecurity Together or Benefits Calculator.

If you don't yet have a UK bank account:
If a claimant does not have a bank account at the time they are making a new claim to Universal Credit and if there is no option to say they don't have a bank account, the following steps should be followed: during the new claim add 6 zeros (000000) for the sort code and 8 zeros (00000000) for the bank account number - this will need to be done 4 times to progress the claim.

If you are receiving Universal Credit, it is very important to keep them informed of any changes of circumstance you have, such as a new address or a new job.

Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to get short-term additional help with rental costs from Elmbridge Borough Council through a discretionary housing payment. Information is available on the Elmbridge Council website: Discretionary Housing Payment.

Help with Council Tax

Council tax is payable on all rented or privately owned houses in the UK. You can find details about how to set up an account on the Elmbridge Council website: Council Tax.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme guests are entitled to a 50% discount on their council tax in Elmbridge - you need to let the Council know that you would like to apply for this.

All those on low incomes and with recourse to public funds are also able to apply for a council tax discount via the council's website: Council Tax Support.

There are also discounts available to all single adult households - you can apply for this via your online account with Elmbridge Borough Council.

Additional Sources of Support

You can find a list of organisations in Surrey which can help with the cost of living here: Cost of living support.

Elmbridge CAN small grants

These grants are available on a discretionary basis to forcibly displaced people who are living in Elmbridge and are registered with us. We generally prioritise people with no access to public funds, such as asylum seekers. Grants may be available where there is emergency hardship, or for short-term needs such as school uniform or ESOL class fees. We can also sometimes help with material items such as bikes, and laptops where these are needed for essential study or similar. Please get in touch on contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk if you would like to apply to this fund.

Foodbank vouchers

These are available via Elmbridge CAN to those in need of short-term help with food and essentials such as toiletries. Please get in touch or visit us at a hub for more information.

The Elmbridge Eco Hub

They are based in Walton, have a community fridge and often have free food available to collect, as well as providing other items and sources of support . You do not need a referral - just go along. See Elmbridge Eco Hub for more details.

Broadband

If you are on a low income you may be able to get cheaper broadband through a social tariff. See Ofcom Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages for more details.

For general information on how to save money in the UK see Money Saving Expert.

Childcare and Costs Relating to Children

Universal credit may pay some of your childcare costs when you go to work: Universal Credit childcare costs.

Families on a low income may be entitled to free nursery places for two year olds. For more information see: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits .

See Childcare Choices: 15 and 30 hours childcare for more information on government help with childcare costs (15 hours for children aged between nine months and two years, and an additional 15 hours for three and four year olds).

Free school meals are available for all children in Reception to Year 2 in a state-maintained school. Free school meals are also available to children on certain qualifying benefits, see Apply for free school meals for how to apply.

If your child receives free school meals, then they should also receive some free holiday camp days during the school holidays under the Holiday activities and food programme. Contact your school to ask about this, and speak to Elmbridge CAN if you have any problems.

If you have no access to public funds your child may still be able to access free school meals - speak your school to ask, and get in touch with us if you have any problems.

School uniforms

If you are struggling with the cost of school uniforms, speak to your school in the first instance as they may be able to help you. If they are not able to, please let us know, as we may be able to support you or help you access other sources of support such as The Bridge in Walton or Stripey Stork.

Please let us know if you are struggling financially, we may be able to help or refer you to other sources of support.