CWaC Cost of Living Support – March Edition

Below is an edited version of the Cheshire West and Chester Cost of Living Support newsletter, which provides practical information and advice to support residents through the rising cost of living.

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Financial support available from the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Applications opened on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The fund helps residents who suddenly find themselves in a financial crisis and can also provide longer-term support to boost income and manage debt, enabling people to feel more confident and secure when these situations arise.
More information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Making school uniforms more affordable

There will be changes to the uniform guidance for schools from September 2026, designed to help make uniforms more affordable for parents and carers.
To find out more about these changes and the support you can get with uniforms locally, click on the link below.
More information about uniform changes

Removal of two-child limit on Universal Credit

From April 2026, the two-child limit on Universal Credit will be removed. Families with more than two children who receive Universal Credit and/or Tax Credits can claim an additional amount for their third – and subsequent – children.
Find out more

New payment rates for Healthy Start

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you could get help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables from the NHS Healthy Start scheme. From April 2026, the Healthy Start payment rates are increasing.
Read more about Healthy Start

Support to get back into work

The Connect to Work programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aimed at supporting individuals with a health barrier or particular disadvantage – such as homelessness or ex-offences – to get back into employment.
Find out more about Connect to Work

Essential family support from Koala North West

If you are a parent, grandparent or carer living in Cheshire West, you can access Koala North West's services; a team of staff and volunteers who offer direct support to families with early years, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), sleep support, and more.
Read about Koala North West