Support and Help Resources in the Cost of Living Crisis

A list of external organisations and other sources of support to help save money, boost income and more.

Last updated: 23 March 2023

We continue to update this page as and when additional resources become available.

Government resources

Cost of Living Payment by gov.uk is a guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits. Appicable to those living in England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more about support during the Cost of Living crisis on gov.uk.
Scottish Government cost of living support
Welsh Government cost of living support
Cost of Living Payments in Northern Ireland
Help for households - see what cost of living support you could be eligible for from the government.
Asylum Support - you may be able to get housing and money to support you and your family while you're waiting to find out if you'll be given asylum.
Benefits Calculator - you can use an independant, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to.

Financial help and advice

Get help with the cost of living crisis by Citizens Advice - check what benefits you can get, how to get help with energy bills and other essential costs. You might find useful their guidance on reducing regular living costs.
StepChange is offering free debt advice online.
Turn2Us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
Money Saving Expert is the UK's biggest consumer website dedicated to cutting bills. Find deals, tips on saving cash and campaigning for financial justice.
Find money saving tips and best deals for your regular bills summarised by Which? website.

Specialised advice

Find a specialist advice for those in later life at Age UK. Find useful energy savings tips, managing money, boosting income and more, aimed particularly at older people.
Information and advice to support with food, energy and money for people with a learning disability by Mencap
Advice for students dealing with the cost of living crisis by Save the Student

Food and living

Find a Food Bank by Trussell Trust. If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of their free helplines too.
OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away.
Too Good to Go is an anti-food waste app that lets you rescue unsold food from businesses to save it from going to waste.
Warm Spaces is an online directory of 'warm banks', designed to signpost anyone in need of warmth, to a warm space to share with others.
Holy Sepulchre London offers a Warm Welcome Space. During opening hours, all are welcome to come in, be warm and enjoy a hot drink. People are welcome to sit in the main Church sanctuary, Compassion Corner which has comfortable sofas and Harmony Zone with tables and chairs.

Mental health

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing guidance and resources. We work with specialist organisations that provide professional help on mental health when it is needed.
MU members can access wellbeing practice and training regularly - find out about our regular meditation events and online yoga course.
Help Musicians is running a series of online events on how to prioritise self-care when working in music running until April 2023.

Make the most of your MU membership

Recover your unpaid fees

We help our members to get what they deserve. Make sure you're paid throughout the cost of living crisis.

Get royalties from your recordings

The MU collects close to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings. Check if you are owed royalties.

Create your professional profile

Help others find your services, by updating your musician's profile on our searchable directory.

Get financial support

No one knows how long the cost of living crisis will last. From parental grants, to the Benevolent Fund, you can get help when you're in need.

Stay protected with insurance

Check what cover and discounts you're entitled to through your MU membership.

Use discounts and special offers

Discover what discounts are available to you now and make the most of them.

Get a membership that suits your budget

MU membership is essential to your work as a musician, especially during the cost of living crisis. Explore the different membership rates we offer and make it work within your budget.

Explore membership rates

Manage your membership payment frequency via monthly or quarterly Direct Debit schedule
Explore lower membership rates for students, members from partner organisations, disabled musicians, and new members
Use our exclusive member services to support you through the UK cost of living crisis beyond 2022