cost of living support
If you're struggling to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, our free and confidential services can help ease your money worries.
Please note, our office and phone lines will be closed from 23rd December to 3rd January. All queries will be responded to in the new year.
worried about paying your energy bills? we can help
am I eligible for the energy costs payment?
Our energy costs payment is available for anyone on low income who's in need of financial support. If you receive a means-tested benefit, you automatically qualify – all you need to do is submit an application over the phone, my email or through mycaba.
Don’t worry if you’re not receiving any means-tested benefits – you may still be eligible. Our application form takes income, expenditure, assets and debts into account. If you’re on low income and have capital of less than £16,000, you will most likely qualify.
how can I reduce the cost of my energy bills?
It can be difficult to keep on top of increasing household bills. We have an array of advice for how to reduce your energy consumption, from conserving heat in your home, to reducing water consumption.
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, it's also important to speak to your energy provider as they have a duty to offer support. You can also use comparison sites to ensure you're getting the best deal for your usage.
international support
We also offer support internationally, providing the equivalent of £500 in an energy payment. Hear from a caba client in Pakistan below:
caba helped with the purchase of a new air conditioner unit for me and my family. It gets very hot and humid here in Pakistan with temperatures crossing 40+ degrees Celsius so a fully functional air conditioner was in need.
cost-of-living support
Financial support can help you cover bills and unexpected costs. Our means-tested grants and donations can be short term or one-off payments that you won't have to pay back. These can be put towards essential living payments, home repairs, funeral costs and even ICAEW membership fees.
emotional support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with finances and it’s affecting you and your family’s wellbeing, it may be time to reach out to us. We can assess your situation and figure out the best next steps for you, whether that’s counselling or support for anxiety.
helpful articles
pensions: what to do if you haven't got one
If you haven't got a pension, you could be worried about how you're going to afford to live when you retire. Here we discuss what your options are if you don't have a pension to fall-back on during retirement.
debt toolkit: six-step guide to sorting your finances
Support Officer and debt expert Lee Melling explores the steps you can take to tackle debt effectively. He also reveals how we can help you improve your financial situation.
back to school payment
Don't let rising costs hold your child back from a great start to the school year. Our back to school payment is designed to cover essential school supplies, like uniforms, shoes, PE kits, and more.