Janice R. Andrews
Information regarding the requirements to be eligible for a fresh round of cost of living payments this summer has been released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A six-month extension of the Household Support Fund will provide financial help to thousands of benefit claimants through the end of September.
Important Information:
Funding Allocation: The Birmingham Voluntary Service Council will distribute £12.8 million to Birmingham City Council to assist with energy and food expenditures. All other local administrations have received similar allocations.
Qualifications: Who will be able to access the payments?
- claimants of Universal Credit with restricted job capacity or those whose income falls below the eligibility requirements for free school lunches and free prescription drugs.
- recipients of the Pension Credit’s Savings Credit and/or Guarantee Credit components.
- those receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) based on their income.
- just those getting Housing Benefit.
Extra Support: It is emphasized by the DWP that assistance is not limited to those receiving benefits. In order to determine who is in need, local authorities are urged to consult other resources, such as recommendations from social workers and health visitors.
Targeted Groups:
A variety of low-income households are the focus of the Household Support Fund’s assistance, including:
- households with kids.
- senior citizens.
- caregivers without pay.
- caregivers who depart.
- people with disabilities.
- bigger families and homes with just one individual.
- those who are experiencing unanticipated or financial shocks.
Special Considerations:
People with disabilities may have greater living expenses as a result of their conditions, such as increased energy bills for medical equipment. As such, authorities are advised to provide special consideration to these people’s needs. Caregivers and care leavers are also emphasized due to their special difficulties and possible out-of-pocket expenses.
DWP Statement:
According to a DWP representative, “Care leavers may encounter unique challenges while transitioning out of the care system and into independent living. Care leavers may not have the same financial, emotional, or social support systems as others, nor will they have access to the same familial networks.”
To guarantee openness and efficient use of funds, local authorities are “strongly encouraged” to take these groups into account and document the entire amount of financial awards given.
With an emphasis on treating disadvantaged populations’ longer-term issues as well as their immediate financial strains, the new support round seeks to offer comprehensive aid to those who are most in need.
