Money and benefits
If you’re not coping to make ends meet, don’t struggle alone. Let’s look at how we can help you make your money go further and make sure you’re getting the benefits that you’re entitled to.
Free support from Citizens Advice
Not only is help available with energy and fuel advice, from Torus Foundation but Torus customers can speak to Citizens Advice about welfare benefits (making sure you’re getting the benefits that’s you’re entitled to), budgeting (looking at ways to make your money go further) and a rang of help covering debt advice from Citizens Advice.
No matter how big or small your concerns, as a Torus customer you can speak directly to Citizens Advice:
Citizens Advice Liverpool – 0151 547 7711 / 0345 266 8037
(this team is taking calls for Torus customers from ALL AREAS)
If their team isn’t around to take your call, follow the instructions to leave a voicemail and an adviser will contact you using the details you provide. You can also find advice from - Citizens Advice: Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington.
If you would like help making your referral to Citizens Advice, you can speak to Torus Foundation who can also share what other support and opportunities are available for Torus communities - 0300 123 5809 (option 2) info@torusfoundation.org.uk .
Financial support from Lightning Reach
If you're looking for support to help pay for an expensive or unexpected cost (e.g. food/utility bills, disability adaptations, replacement furniture/white goods) you may be able to make use of the free online portal from Lightning Reach.
Following a simple 10-15 min questionnaire, you'll be connected to financial support from various sources, quickly and securely. This may include grants from charities, funding from your local council or support with your utility bills. You can apply for multiple sources of support without repeating information.
Head to the Lightning Reach portal and see what support you may be eligible for.
Click here to learn more about how Lightning Reach can help you.
Watch the Lightning Reach video that shows how easy it is to use the grant finder.
Energy advice
Speak to the Foundation’s qualified energy advisors who are on hand to support with:
- Fuel debt
- Billing errors
- Meter readings if you have difficulty doing this yourself
- Applying for grants to help reduce your energy debts
- Switching energy providers (if it’s the right thing to do)
- Applying for seasonal payments (eg Warm Home Discount Payment)
- Paying your water bills
- Budgeting advice
Don’t delay, contact our energy advisors today. Our services are tailored to your needs, so you can give us a call on 0300 123 5809 (option 2), email us at info@torusfoundation.org.uk or we can arrange to come and see you at your home
Funded by the Energy Saving Trust.
Benefits advice and calculators
Finding your way round the welfare benefits system can be difficult. Here are some important website links that could help you find out the information you need to know:
- Government website GOV.uk lists all welfare benefits, explains who can claim and how to appeal if you’re turned down.
- Head to the Government’s information on benefit calculator.
You may also find either of these benefit calculators useful:
Our benefits experts may also be able to help you to claim benefits to which you’re entitled and appeal any benefit decisions that go against you. Please get in touch by calling 0300 123 5809 or emailing info@torusfoundation.org.uk.
United Utilities debt advice
United Utilities is encouraging customers who may be struggling to pay their water bill, to get in touch with their team to see if support can be arranged.
Some additional links you might find helpful
- Free money course - MSE’s Academy of Money
- For free guidance you can trust - Money Helper
- Hints and tips to save money as every penny counts - Skint Dad
- For lots of advice on saving money, making money and more - Money Magpie
More debt advice organisations include:
If you’re in crisis, your local authority may be able to help you with local grants:
