New Cost of Living Payments Announced for Universal Credit and Other Benefit Claimants
Thousands of people are set to receive financial help between now and the end of September from the six-month extension of the Household Support Fund. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued details on who will be eligible for the new round of cost of living payments.
Financial support is on the way for those who need it most.
The DWP says it is providing data and information to authorities to help them identify those in need in their area. The support is not restricted only to vulnerable households in receipt of benefits. Local authorities are being asked to use other sources of information to identify people who are eligible for additional help, including advice or referrals from professionals such as social workers, key workers delivering early help and family support, health visitors, and housing support officers.
The Household Support Fund is intended to cover a wide range of low-income households in need.
The department stresses that the Household Support Fund is intended to cover a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those struggling with “one-off financial shocks or unforeseen events”.
Disabled people may be facing challenges to manage their conditions, remain independent, and avoid becoming socially isolated.
The DWP urges local authorities to consider the needs of disabled people who may be facing challenges to manage their conditions, remain independent, and avoid becoming socially isolated. Some are struggling with high gas and electricity bills because of the energy needed to power equipment they need for their medical issues. Others have higher water or transport costs.
Care leavers and carers should also be considered when deciding who gets help from the new round of support.
Authorities should also consider supporting people with caring responsibilities in their area. They may have additional heating, water, or transport costs.
The DWP explained: “Care leavers can face particular barriers as they leave the care system and begin to live independently. For example, care leavers may not have access to the same familial networks as others and will not have the same financial, emotional, or social support systems that enable them to live independently, respond to crisis, or avoid becoming socially isolated.”
The Household Support Fund is here to help those who need it most.
The Household Support Fund is here to help those who need it most. With the cost of living crisis affecting many, this support is a welcome relief for those who are struggling.
