Welcome
In this Cost of Living bulletin, we have information on:
- What the energy price guarantee means for you
- Cost of living payments for 2023-2024
- Pension Credits
- Welcoming Spaces
- Family Hubs
- Health Bus
There are lots of spaces across Doncaster where you can speak to somebody- whether that be about managing debt, heating your home or just having a chat and a cup of tea.
 What the energy price guarantee changes mean for you
You may have seen in the news information about the governments energy price guarantee continuing over the next few months- here's what it means for you.
The government announced that their energy bills support scheme will be in place for three additional months (up until June 2023). This means:
- From October 2022 - June 2023 – an average household can expect to pay £2500 a year for energy.
- This is a cap on the price per unit of electricity and gas, as well as the standing charge.
- If you use more energy, your bills could still be higher than the £2500. Likewise, if you use less, you will pay less. There is no total cap on what you pay.
We know that there may still be many people that need additional support during this time. There are a number of national and local grants available to support you with your energy.
Visit the Council's Energy Advice webpage for tips and advice to help you save money and improve your physical and mental health.
 Cost of Living Payments
The government have announced thee Cost of Living Payments over the next year if you get certain benefits or tax credits.
If you are entitled to the payment, you will receive:
- £301 paid between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 for most people on DWP benefits
- £301 paid between 2 and 9 May 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low income benefits
- £300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people
The payment will be made separately from your benefit payments.
To find out more about eligibility and the support available, you can visit the Government website.
Pension credit, who can claim it?
Pension Credit is the means tested benefit for pension age households, topping up pension age income to a guaranteed minimum level.
It gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension credit amounts can boost weekly income to £201.60 for a single people or £306.85 for a couple (both pension age).
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. You can find out more about eligibility on the government website.
You can also claim local housing allowance and local council tax support and if you or your partner receive non means tested disability benefits.
If you receive pension credit, you will also be entitled to; free dentistry and free opticians treatment and glasses, cold weather payments, winter fuel payments, warm home discount and free tv license and other cost of living related payments and support.
If you know anyone who may be eligible you can contact:
Pension credit on 0800 99 1234 or claim online via the government website.
 Free activities at Welcoming Spaces
Welcoming Spaces across Doncaster provide a warm, safe, local space for anybody who may need it without the expectation of having to spend money.
Phil is one of the lovely folks at our fantastic Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.
Every two weeks, he runs a still life art session that all can attend for free from 10.30am – 3.15pm - whatever your art ability!
It’s one of the many activities that go on at across the city, so check in with your local space to find out what they have on!
There is always a listening ear and a warm welcome in your community, to find out more about Welcoming Spaces, visit our Your Life Doncaster webpage.
Doncaster Family Hubs are the place to go!
Think of any service you may need from day care and early learning to schools and education; from midwives to health visitors and mental health; from advice on parenting to family support and adult learning to employment opportunities we are here for you.
Free courses, activities and groups are on offer every week from baby massage, speech and language support to messy play to name but a few. The activities, courses and groups provide you the opportunity to meet other parents experiencing the same as you as well as the chance to speak to the family hub staff about anything that you are worried about or that you would like more information about.
Families are welcome with children of all ages from conception, through childhood to adolescence and even older if your child has a special needs.
 Health Bus information
The Health Bus offers free drop-in GP clinics at different sites across Doncaster.
If you have a minor ailment or illness that’s been troubling you and we’re in the neighbourhood, come and see the health bus!
Our Health Bus Service makes stops in communities so that everyone, regardless of whether you’re registered with a local GP practice or not, can access high quality healthcare. The Health Bus is staffed by GPs, nurses and other healthcare staff who work locally in Doncaster.
Please share information in these newsletters and our online resources, with family, friends and neighbours that would find this information helpful.
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