Managing finances and household bills can be challenging, and unexpected costs can increase that burden. The cost of living crisis is affecting us all due to rising fuel, energy and food costs, but help is available.

This page provides advice and support available to help Medway residents. This includes Council Tax reductions, debt advice, help with childcare costs and food and energy bills.

Read the progress we've made with our Cost of Living Response Plan

The plan outlines 4 objectives in tackling the cost of living crisis.

Download and read the update

Apply for a Household Support Fund grant

Financial support is available to vulnerable households and older residents struggling to meet the rising cost of living. You can now access the fund to help you with essential household costs.

Apply for a grant

Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme

The scheme has been set up to support low income and vulnerable households.

Find out if you're eligible

Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. 

The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 per year and it opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, Council Tax and heating bills.

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and savings, a private pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving it.

When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.

Holiday, Activity and Food Programme (HAF)

The HAF programme is available to all children in Medway and free for children who receive free school meals.

Book a place

Swap to stop

Free vape starter kits are now available as part of the support offered by the Medway Stop Smoking Service.

More about stop smoking