DSS Select | Practical Money-Saving Guide | November 2026
When money is tight, knowing where to look for help can make as much difference as knowing how to budget.
If you're struggling to pay the rent, buy groceries, keep your phone connected or put money on the electricity meter, you're certainly not alone.
And here's something worth remembering: you don't have to be homeless or receiving benefits to need a little help.
Across the UK, charities, community groups, supermarkets, utility providers and digital platforms offer support that many households simply don't know exists.
At DSS Select, we believe access to housing is only part of the picture. Keeping a roof over your head also means being able to afford food, heating, transport and everyday essentials.
Here are some practical resources worth knowing about.
Free Food: You Have More Options Than You Think
Food banks are an important starting point when cupboards are empty.
The Trussell network supports food banks across the UK. Many provide emergency food parcels containing several days' worth of essentials. Some require a referral from Citizens Advice, a GP, a school or another support organisation.
But food banks aren't your only option.
Independent food banks, community kitchens, churches, mosques, gurdwaras and local charities may offer free meals or groceries. Sikh gurdwaras, for example, commonly provide langar — free vegetarian meals open to everyone.
Also look for community fridges, where surplus food is shared locally, often without needing to prove your income.
Our advice: Don't wait until you've run out of food. Ask early. Support is there to be used, not to make anyone feel embarrassed.
Apps That Can Help You Eat for Less
Your smartphone can become a useful money-saving
www.toogoodtogo.com lets businesses sell surplus food in discounted surprise bags. Bakeries, cafés, supermarkets and restaurants participate, although availability depends on your area.
olioapp.com connects neighbours and volunteers sharing surplus food. Some listings are free, while others involve paid items or features. Check each listing carefully.
www.approvedfood.co.uk Approved Food sells discounted surplus groceries and products approaching or past their best-before dates where lawful and appropriate.
www.shopmium.comShopmium offers cashback promotions on selected supermarket products. You normally pay first and claim cashback afterwards.
One important distinction: discounted food apps are useful, but they are not substitutes for emergency food assistance. If you have no money at all, prioritise free food services rather than offers that require spending.
Free Mobile SIM Cards and Internet Access
A phone isn't a luxury when you're looking for work, contacting landlords, managing Universal Credit or arranging medical appointments.
goodthingsfoundation.org operates the National Databank, working with participating community organisations to provide free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty.
Depending on availability and eligibility, support may include SIM cards or mobile data packages.
You can also look for a National Digital Inclusion Network hub through Good Things Foundation.
Local libraries often provide free Wi-Fi and computer access. Some also offer printing, digital skills sessions and help completing online forms.
If you're applying for Universal Credit or looking for work, ask Jobcentre Plus about support accessing digital services.
A practical tip: If you're struggling to afford mobile data, don't immediately sign another expensive contract. Ask about free data support first.
Help With Gas, Electricity and Water Bills
Energy bills can quickly turn a manageable budget into a crisis.
Start by contacting your energy supplier before arrears become unmanageable. Explain your circumstances and ask about affordable repayment plans, hardship funds and any assistance available.
Depending on eligibility, you may qualify for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.
If you're on a prepayment meter and cannot afford to top up, tell your supplier immediately. Ask about emergency or additional support credit and how repayment would work.
Water companies may offer social tariffs, which reduce bills for eligible lower-income households. Eligibility and discounts differ between providers.
The www.ccw.org.uk Consumer Council for Water provides information about water bill assistance in England and Wales.
Don't assume your current tariff is the cheapest. Compare available options, but check standing charges, exit fees and contract terms before switching.
Broadband and Mobile Deals for Low-Income Households
Many people pay more than necessary for broadband.
Some providers offer social tariffs for eligible households receiving certain benefits. These are reduced-price broadband or mobile packages, often with more flexible terms than standard contracts.
Ofcom publishes information about social tariffs and participating providers.
You may need to ask your existing provider directly, because cheaper social tariffs aren't always prominently advertised.
A lower monthly bill might save more over a year than dozens of small supermarket discounts.
Free Household Essentials, Furniture and Clothing
Moving into a property can be expensive, especially if you have no furniture.
Before buying new, check local reuse charities, community furniture projects and organisations offering household essentials.
Freecycle and local free-giveaway groups can be useful for furniture, kitchen equipment and children's items.
Olio also has non-food sharing listings.
Some councils and charities can refer households for essential furniture, bedding, appliances or starter packs.
Be careful with second-hand electrical items and upholstered furniture. Check safety and fire labels, and never pay upfront to an unknown person for a supposedly free item.
Discounts, Cashback and Everyday Savings
Not every saving requires a voucher code.
Supermarket loyalty schemes can offer lower prices on selected products, but compare the actual price rather than assuming every promotion is good value.
Cashback services such as TopCashback and Quidco may return a percentage of eligible purchases.
Apps such as Shopmium can help with selected grocery purchases.
However, cashback is rarely immediate and should never encourage unnecessary spending.
If you have £20 left for groceries, buying £30 worth of products to receive £5 later is not a saving.
The best discount is often the purchase you didn't need to make.
Help for Families With Children
Families may be entitled to assistance they haven't claimed.
Depending on circumstances, support can include free school meals, Healthy Start assistance, childcare support and help with school uniforms.
Healthy Start helps eligible pregnant people and families with young children purchase certain foods and access vitamins.
Schools may also know about local breakfast clubs, holiday food programmes, uniform banks and family support charities.
If you're struggling, speak privately with the school's pastoral or safeguarding team. They may be able to refer you to practical support without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Emergency Financial Help From Your Council
Many people don't realise that local councils may have schemes to help households facing immediate hardship.
Support may include food, energy costs, essential household items or crisis assistance, depending on the council and available funding.
Search your council website for local welfare assistance, crisis support or cost-of-living help.
For grants from charities and trusts, try grants-search.turn2us.
If you're unsure what benefits or financial help you qualify for, Citizens Advice can help you understand your options.
The Bigger Question: Why Is Finding Help So Difficult?
One of the biggest problems isn't always the absence of assistance. It's that support is scattered across dozens of organisations, websites and eligibility systems.
Someone struggling to pay for food may not know their water company offers a social tariff. Someone without mobile data may be unable to complete the very online application needed to get help.
That needs to change.
At DSS Select, we believe housing support should be practical, accessible and joined up.
A tenant who can access affordable utilities, food assistance, digital connectivity and reliable advice is better placed to sustain their tenancy.
That benefits tenants, landlords and the wider housing market.
The message is simple: if you're struggling financially, don't assume there's no help available. Ask, check and use the support you're entitled to.
Sometimes the difference between falling into crisis and staying on your feet is knowing which door to knock on.
DSS Select — helping make renting fairer, more accessible and more sustainable.
Information relates primarily to England. Scheme availability, eligibility and discounts can change. Always check directly with the provider or your local council.
