More Money in Your Pocket

Find out about the range of other support you may be eligible for, depending on your circumstances, to help with the cost of living.

Household Support Fund

We've received £4.7 million from the Department for Work and Pensions. This is to support people with their food, energy and other essential household costs. This scheme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Helping low-income households with energy costs

Working age households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support will receive a £40 voucher to help with the rising cost of Energy. These vouchers will be sent out to those that are eligible by the end of June 2023. Eligible households do not need to apply for these vouchers they will be issued automatically.

Helping low-income households with food, energy and household essentials

A cost-of-living payment will be given to those in receipt of Housing Benefit who do not qualify for the Government cost of living payment. Residents that are eligible will receive a £301 voucher that can be cashed at their local post office. These vouchers will be sent out to those that are eligible by the end of June 2023. Further payments will be made to residents that are eligible in Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024.

Find out more about the Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024.



Community support

These services are there for all residents across the borough who need some extra support.

This support is funded by the Household Support Grant from The Department of Work and Pensions, and from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Association.

Please check the individual groups and services for eligibility criteria.

Borough wide support available to all

Community First Credit Union Limited

Support

Interest free loans up to a maximum of £500. These loans are for individuals and families who are struggling to buy food, pay energy costs, or buy essential items.

Who can apply

  • You're an account holder, or you're willing to become one at Community First
  • You're 18 years of age or over
  • You've an established electronic payment into your Community First savings account. Like standing orders, deducted from your wage.  Or having your wages or benefit payments paid directly into the account

How to apply

Call Community First on 03030 300010.

Barnsley Borough City of Sanctuary 

Support

We work with 2 groups, asylum seekers and refugees. Those seeking sanctuary, in broad terms have need of food and clothing.  They also need help with travel costs for such things as English classes and visits to Home office interviews.

Those that have achieved sanctuary are less in number but have more diverse needs.  This includes: food, clothing and bedding.

Who can apply

We're part of a national organisation We've clear aims and objectives centred around the support of Asylum Seekers and Refugees practically, emotionally and spiritually.

How to apply

Email secretary.bbcos@gmail.com or call 07939787192.

Educational Learning Support Hub

Support

ELSH looks to bring communities together through English. They deliver their entry level free English to many people including local vulnerable young people. They work with asylum seekers, refugee children and families to help them overcome the barriers of language as they settle in the local communities.

Who can apply

We work with a large number of refugees, asylum seekers and those who have settled in Barnsley from around the world. To be eligible for this support you must be a student with Educational Learning Support Hub.

How to apply

Email florentineboothaking@gmail.com or call 01226 643249.

Support in Dearne areas

The Uniform Fairies 

Support

Pre-loved uniforms to children and young people of the Dearne.

Who can apply

  • Be a family who is struggling financially to purchase uniform

How to apply

All giveaways are advertised on the Uniform Fairy Facebook.

Families are welcome to chat to volunteers.  Specific orders can be made if pre-loved uniform isn’t available first.

Support in Central areas

Caring for Kendray 

Support

Community pantry available one day a week for a small charge of £3. Residents can get fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, bread along with jarred and tinned products.

Who can apply

  • Available to all families who are struggling financially
  • People who live in Kendray

How to apply

Details on Caring for Kendray Facebook page. Call 07415153011 or email caringforkendray@gmail.com

Support in North areas

Ad-Astra - Athersley

Support 

Weekly food parcels which include dry and long-life items.

Who can apply

  • Live in the St Helens Ward in Barnsley
  • Have a low household income
  • Are in receipt of benefits
  • Be a working single person or a single person on a low income under £12,000 (after tax)
  • Be an unemployed unpaid carer on welfare benefits.
  • Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit
  • Be in receipt of benefits. For example Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA),Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

How to apply

Call 07462805640 or email adastrabarnsleycic@gmail.com 

Support in South and Penistone areas

Penistone Asylum Seekers and Refugee Support 

Support

The group works in close partnership with local service providers. They facilitate action that responds to the identified needs of asylum seekers and refugees living in the Borough of Barnsley.

They're currently working in partnership with operational front line workers.  Helping to support vulnerable households who are struggling with the increase in the cost of living.

Who can apply 

Support is targeted at female asylum seekers, who aren't able to take paid employment whilst their application to remain in the UK remains pending. Also who aren't in receipt of extra government funds available to UK citizens to help with the cost of living crisis.

How to apply 

To apply, asylum seekers should attend the weekly meeting Refugee, Migrant & Asylum Seeker Women’s Group.

Meets at: Hope House Community Café, 2 Blucher Street, Barnsley S70 1AP.  Every Wednesday 10am to 12pm.

Call Christina on 07917 135843.

Penistone Food Buddies 

Support

Penistone Food Buddies work in conjunction with St John’s Church. They aim to help local people who are currently suffering from the cost of living crisis.  This is for local people who are unable to buy sufficient food each week to feed themselves and/or their families as well as keep themselves warm. 

We offer 2 days worth of food to each beneficiary each week.  This is to be collected on Fridays between 12 noon and 4pm.

Who can apply

Our aim is to serve anybody living in Penistone East and West areas on a non referral system.

How to apply 

To apply, register in person showing a photo ID and proof of address at St Johns the Baptist church any Friday .

We can also email penistonefoodbuddies@gmail.com or call us on 0755 3065864.  You can also find us on Facebook Penistone Food Buddies.  

Support in North East areas

Grimethorpe Activity Zone 

Support

Free food and a warm place with hot drinks. For people and families to come to over the autumn and winter months.

Who can apply

People or families who live in Grimethorpe.

How to apply

Email gactivity1959@outlook.com or call 01226 713599.  Or visit Grimethorpe Activity Zone, The Acorn Centre, 51 High Street, Grimethorpe, S72 7BB.

Royston Friends Association 

Support

Welcome Space open to anyone in the area who is struggling. Advice sessions available including coffee mornings, craft, and wellbeing sessions.

Who can apply

Open to anyone suffering financial difficulties or social isolation

How to apply

Call Sue on 07944 479824 or email martinerfacommunity@outlook.com 

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