It’s crucial that people know where they can turn for help, and North Yorkshire Council know that the cost of living is still a major concern for almost all our residents. Since the council’s previous cost of living campaign briefing in 2024/25, NYC has been continuing to promote the help and support available and will carry on doing so over the coming months.
If you’re struggling to pay for food and other essentials, there are local schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or point you in the right direction. You’ll find information about emergency support with everyday living costs, benefits, energy bills, food, schemes to help families, free adult learning courses and managing your debt all in one place at www.northyorks.gov.uk/costofliving
You’ll also find details for local community-based support including Warm Welcome spaces as well as advice on staying safe and well.
If you’re less confident with technology and have friends or family who might be able to help you understand what support is available, please ask them to look at the web page with you. You can also go into any North Yorkshire library or North Yorkshire Council office.
If you’re not sure who to turn to, you can call North Yorkshire Council’s customer service centre on 0300 131 2 131 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 9:30am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm asking for ‘cost of living help’ when prompted.
Could you or someone you know be missing out on Pension Credit?
If you’re aged 66 or over you could be eligible for Pension Credit, which tops up pension income and can help with everyday living costs. Even if you own your home or have savings, you might still qualify.
As well as extra money every week to make sure pensioners have a minimum income, people who are entitled to Pension Credit can also get other benefits like the Winter Fuel Payment, help to pay for NHS dental treatment, vouchers for glasses or contact lenses and a free TV licence if they’re over 75. Not everyone who qualifies for Pension Credit is currently claiming it, so lots of people are missing out.
You can find out more about Pension Credit at www.northyorks.gov.uk/costofliving, or you can call North Yorkshire Council’s customer service centre on 0300 131 2 131 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 9:30am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm asking for ‘Pension Credit’ when prompted to check your eligibility.
Their friendly team can complete your online claim with you over the phone, explaining it in a way that’s easy to understand. You don’t need to worry about lots of complicated forms.