Cambridgeshire pensioners and others struggling with the rising cost of living could be eligible for support from the Household Support Fund.
In March the Government announced the extension of the scheme, which initially ran between November and March, awarding Cambridgeshire an additional £3.58million to support those in need across the county, with a particular focus on support for pensioners.
Anyone reaching pensionable age by 30 September 2022 who lives in the Cambridgeshire County Council area can apply for support. Financial support can be provided within a few days as well as help to find longer-term support to maximise and manage their finances. There is a partnership in place between Cambridgeshire County Council and Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (Age UK CAP).
You can find leaflets and posters giving information about the fund and how to apply in places like day centres, GP surgeries and libraries, and through Age UK CAP services.
For further information about the fund and to apply, contact Age UK CAP on 01223 221929 or email [email protected]
This support is available in addition to £1.96m has been set aside for the provision of food vouchers with a value of £15 per child per week for those eligible to cover the 2022 May half term and summer holidays. Schools and childcare settings, childminders and eligible parents are contacted directly about this scheme – there is no application process. You can find out more on the Cambridgeshire County Council webpage about the Household Support Fund
Councillor Tom Sanderson, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: “The rapidly rising cost of living is understandably a source of considerable anxiety to many – especially coming so soon after the pandemic and its effect on the economy and household budgets.
“We are using the Household Support Fund to try and make sure that those most in need in our county receive support.
“We do not want anyone who is eligible to be excluded, though we are aware that older people can sometimes be reluctant to ask for help. That is why it is vital that any pensioner who is struggling financially should apply as soon as possible to see what help is available. If you know a pensioner who might benefit, please encourage them to apply.”
Melanie Wicklen, chief executive office of Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Many older people are finding it increasingly hard to pay for the most basic items, with some having to seek financial support for the first time in their lives. This fund is set out to provide additional help in these difficult times and we would urge our local pensioners to make contact with us so we can support them to make this claim and also help with other matters, such as carrying out benefit checks to ensure they are receiving everything they are entitled to.”
Click here for further information on the Household Support Fund
Support from Caring Together
If you need further help or advice with finances or are feeling worried about how you are going to cope with the rise in energy and food prices, then contact us to find out more about other support available, apart from the Household Support Fund. You can call 0345 241 0954/email [email protected] or visit our help and advice website page.
