Benefits advice
Get advice on benefits, including what you're entitled to and how to claim.
Council Tax Support
If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support.
Household Support Fund
You may be eligible for a grant if you receive Council Tax Support or free school meals, or are struggling with the cost of living.
Local Welfare Support Scheme
If there is a risk to your health and safety or you need help to resettle or remain in Merton, you could be eligible for The Local Welfare Support Scheme (LWSS).
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML)
If you need information and advice on welfare benefits, debt and budgeting, housing, immigration and more, contact CAML. They also offer specialist services for disability welfare benefits and cost of living. CAML’s Cost of Living team are available at Colliers Wood Library on Mondays, Wide Way Medical Centre on Tuesdays, Wimbledon Library on Thursdays and Pollards Hill Library on Fridays.
CroydonPlus
CroydonPlus aims to support you in managing your personal finances. They can help you make the most out of your money. If you live or work in Croydon, Merton or Sutton, join CroydonPlus Credit Union today and start saving regularly. They’ll help you manage your finances and you'll get access to affordable and very competitive loans.
South West London Law Centres (money advice and webinars)
You can access an advice service on money and housing as well as free money webinars.
The South West London Law Centres also provides independent legal advice about social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.
Call the Money Advice Team on 020 8667 9252 or email enquiries@swllc.org.
Commonside Community Development Trust
If you're a family or adult in need, get support with applying for benefits and housing advice.
The Commonside Trust is also a member of the Merton Community Fridge Network, redistributing surplus food to residents in need.
You can contact the Trust on 020 8764 9582 or email Jenny@commonside.net.
National Debtline Breathing Space Scheme
This scheme gives you time to receive debt advice and find a solution to sort out debt problems. Breathing space will last for 60 days as long as applicants remain eligible, during this time all creditors who have been included must stop any collection or enforcement activity.
Wimbledon Guild one-off grants
If you are in need financial help and have no other access to money, you can apply for a one-off grant from Wimbledon Guild to help with the cost of food, electricity, household appliances or school uniforms.
Age UK Merton support
If you are State Pension age or older, or a family member or carer of a pensioner, you can contact Age UK Merton for advice and information about benefits, housing, transport, redundancy, pensions and retirement as well as concerns about health, relationships or isolation. For more information call 020 8648 5792 or email advice@ageukmerton.org.uk
Age UK Merton also has a range of other services for those aged 50+ in Merton.
Springfield Advice and Law Centre
Springfield Advice and Law Centre is an independent charity, providing specialist advice on debt, welfare benefits, housing and community care matters. The main Law Centre office is based at Springfield University Hospital and is open to clients, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with priority given to those who are also patients of the South West London Mental Health NHS Trust.
The centre provides services by outreach, on selected days, at Wilson Hospital CMHT, Mitcham Library, Morden Hall Medical Centre and at Jubilee Health Centre East in Wallington. Advice is available by both appointment and drop-in (subject to staff availability and venue). Call the main office number on 020 8767 6884, to find out more.
Thames Water financial support for residents
From 1 April 2024 Thames Water changed the eligibility criteria for their social tariff to help those most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Rather than looking solely at income, they now compare customers’ water bills with their income and consider how many people live in the home.
The Thames Water Extra Care team undertakes income and expenditure reviews with customers and identify the best support.
The Thames Water Priority Services Register (PSR) supports households who need extra care – such as those with dementia, or who have mobility issues.
The Thames Water financial support programme includes:
- WaterHelp, which provides 50% off bills for households whose bills are more than 5% of their net income, taking into account the number of occupants.
- WaterSure caps bills at £471 (2024/2025) for households with large families or water-dependent medical conditions.