Cost of Living
On non-smart prepay for energy? What to do if you didn't get your £66 or £67 Government help voucher – or if you're struggling to redeem it
If you pay for energy by topping up and you're on a traditional (non-smart) meter, you should've received at least two £66 government energy support vouchers by now. Here's what you can do if you haven't got yours – or if you're having problems redeeming them.
31 January 2023
Energy suppliers are paying households up to £100 to cut electricity use at peak times this winter – here's how it works and how to sign up
Over a million households and businesses have joined energy firm schemes offering to pay people for cutting their usage at peak times this winter. We explain how these schemes work, which energy suppliers are offering them and how you can sign up.
31 January 2023
Live in Scotland? Check you're not missing out on a FREE £150 towards your energy bills
Scottish households on certain benefits can get £150 off their energy bills under the Warm Home Discount scheme – but, unlike in England and Wales, many in Scotland still need to apply. Here's how to check if you're eligible.
27 January 2023
Households in Northern Ireland, in park homes and those using alternative fuels will receive energy grants in 2023 - here's what you need to know
If you live in Northern Ireland, or you're in Great Britain but you don't pay for your energy bills directly or you use alternative fuels, you'll receive your up to £600 energy support payment in early 2023, the Government has confirmed.
24 January 2023
Martin Lewis: Students in England ‘dealt a blow’ as Government plans to increase maintenance loans by just 2.8% - what you need to know
Struggling students have been “dealt a blow” as loans to help with living costs will fall far short of rising inflation, based on Government plans. From September, English students will see a real term cut to maintenance loans of 8p in the £1 - a shortfall students or parents will have to make up for themselves.
20 January 2023
Pensioners expecting a winter cost of living payment should now have received theirs – here's what to do if you haven't
Nearly 12 million pensioners should have received their £150 or £300 cost of living payment by today, the Government has said. The non-repayable grants were paid as part of the existing Winter Fuel Payments scheme starting in November last year.
13 January 2023
Martin Lewis: Wholesale energy rates have plummeted and there are lots of myths about it – here's how it'll impact your energy bills
MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis looks at why energy bills continue to rise despite falls in the price of wholesale gas. In the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live (watch the full episode) Martin also looks at what's in store for energy bills for the rest of 2023.
11 January 2023
More cost of living payments of up to £1,350 to be paid after 5 April - here's what you need to know
Millions of struggling households will receive additional 'cost of living' payments in 2023 and 2024, with the first set of cash to be paid after 6 April, the Government has today confirmed.
3 January 2023
Energy grants worth millions of pounds are STILL available to help you pay your energy bills – check what your supplier is offering
Struggling to pay energy bills? Check if you can get a grant worth £1,000s from your supplier – plus how to apply.
29 December 2022
Martin Lewis and MSE among organisations urging energy firms to act over missing bill help vouchers for non-smart prepay users
MoneySavingExpert.com and its founder Martin Lewis are among a coalition of organisations calling on energy firms to take urgent action to ensure households on traditional prepayment meters can access the Government's vital energy help.
20 December 2022
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1 February 2023
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Energy regulator orders suppliers to improve customer service after finding major failings
2 February 2023![]()
All energy suppliers were found to have weaknesses when it comes to customer service and complaints, according to regulator Ofgem’s latest report on energy providers’ performance. E.on was the worst offender, and the regulator has ordered it to make immediate improvements or face further action. -
Paperchase collapses into administration - use your gift vouchers NOW while you still can
2 February 2023![]()
If you're a regular shopper at stationery retailer Paperchase, we've rounded-up your refund and return rights, plus what to do with any unspent gift vouchers. The firm collapsed into administration earlier this week, though the brand and intellectual property rights have since been purchased by Tesco. -
Pregnant or have a child under four? Check if you can get £17+ a month to help with food costs as over 200,000 are missing out
2 February 2023![]()
If you're pregnant or have a child under the age of four, and you're on a low income, you may be eligible for a Healthy Start prepaid card offering at least £4.25 a week to spend on healthy food, milk and vitamins. -
Bank of England increases base rate to 4% – what the rise means for your mortgage and savings
2 February 2023![]()
The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3.5% to 4%. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn. -
Water bills to rise by £31/year in England and Wales – but there are still ways you can cut costs
2 February 2023![]( "130182065")
The average annual water bill in England and Wales is set to rise by around £31 a year (7.5%) from April, industry body Water UK has announced today.
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Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
5 December 2022![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
29 November 2022![]()
It is a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a critical boost to their income. It's called pension credit, and this year it also means you get an extra £650 to help with energy bills.
Clever ways to calculate your finances
