Mid Sussex Debt Advice and Support Organisations
Below are a list of local charities and organisations that offer free advice and support.
Support from Mid Sussex District Council
Cost of Living Support
The Household Support Fund scheme supports vulnerable households in need of help with the increased cost of living.
Housing Support
Supported housing or ‘housing related support’ is available to people with a wide range of support needs. It may include advice, guidance and encouragement.
Discretionary Housing Payments
Discretionary Housing Payments is a way of helping you if the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (Housing Costs element) you get is not enough to pay your rent. They are special payments, which come from a separate cash limited fund.
Housing/Council Tax & Benefits
Find details on housing benefit and council tax support.
Community help and advice
You can also get help and advice through these community organisations. Click on the name to go to their website.
Support for Parents & Carers looking after disabled children
Every parent should check if they are eligible. Even if your child doesn’t eat the meals, as this benefit gives you access to help with half term child care, food vouchers. This also helps schools with pupil premium, some schools then use this fund to help support parents with trips, school uniform etc. Please check with your education provider on the pupil premium policy.
Help with Disability Benefit Applications
Fight Back 4 Justice
Disability Forms UK
Local directory of family oriented clubs, groups, businesses, support services and organisations.
Other Support
Social Tariffs
You may have heard the term ‘social tariff’ but if not, a social tariff is a special tariff that offers a service at a reduced rate to those who are entitled to it or need it most. Due to the ever-increasing cost of living, it’s now becoming harder for people who are on lower incomes or relying on benefits such as Universal Credit to pay their bills. Social tariffs are there to help make things that bit easier, offering the same services as other households, but at a reduced rate.
Social Tariffs have been available for broadband since 2020, now this can include phone packages with some providers. To see whether you might qualify and a list of service providers, please visit Ofcom, by clicking here.
Water utility companies are also offering Social Tariffs for their customers, for more information please contact your water provider.
Support from Southern Water
Social Tariffs
Essentials
For Low-Income Households
• Discounts range between 45% to 90% off household bills.
• Criteria – Household income less than £21,000 (excluding specified allowances), Savings of less than £16,000
• Over 83,000 customers supported on this tariff, growing monthly
WaterSure
Budgeting for Annual Water Costs
• Capped charges: £439 (£186 for water only, £253 for wastewater only)
• Criteria – Responsibility for three or more children in full-time education
• Criteria – Specified medical condition requiring extra water usage
WaterDirect
Simplifying Bill Payments
• Paid Directly from Jobcentre Plus benefits
• Helps customers budget and pay their bills
• Reduces risk of arrears and associated stress and anxiety
NewStart
Debt Support for Arrears
• Payment Management Scheme
Bespoke Support for Priority Service Register
• Personalised support for individuals on the Priority Service Register
• Extra support if water supply is interrupted
• Alternative communication methods
• Assistance with leaks and Meter reading
Practical Support for Vulnerable Customers’ Needs
• Plumbing repairs
• Water quality checks
• Leak assessments
• Drainage maintenance
• Expert advice on water conservation and bill reduction
Applications can be made online for their schemes and tariffs.
Applications can be made for our Priority Services Register