The payments are coming from the Government’s Household Support Fund scheme which provides local councils with cash which they then use to help those struggling in their area
Struggling households are set to receive cost of living payments worth £80 each from next month.
The payments are coming from the Government’s Household Support Fund scheme. This scheme provides local councils with cash which they then use to help those struggling in their area. The help varies between local authorities but usually includes either free cash payments, supermarket vouchers, or support with essential bills.
Cornwall Council will be providing payments of £80 to a range of different households in June. According to Cornwall Council’s website, the payments will begin on June 3 and run until the end of the month. Alongside this, they will be paid automatically, which means you do not need to apply for a payment.
An £80 payment will be made to households claiming Pension Credit and to households with children receiving Council Tax support. Cornwall Council says an £80 payment will be made to each child who lives in the property, meaning you could receive £240 if you had three children. If you do not yet claim Council Tax support, you have until May 31 to put in your claim to be eligible for the cost of living payment.
People who have children and are living in temporary accommodation will also receive an £80 payment, again for each child in their care. Alongside this, adults assessed as requiring domiciliary care and receiving a financial contribution to the cost of the care from Cornwall Council will also get an £80 payment.
The most recent extension to the Household Support Fund is running from April to September 2024. Cornwall Council received another £4.5million for this extension and alongside its £80 payments it will also be providing payments to others who are classed as struggling and on a low income. The payments will vary, however, they are intended to help households unable to afford:
- Energy bills
- Water bills
- Food
- Wider essentials
To get help through the fund you will need to apply through the following organisations:
- Age UK and the Isles of Scilly
- Community Energy Plus
- Citizens Advice Cornwall
- DisAbility Cornwall & IoS
- Cornwall Carers Service
Councillor Dr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health, said: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a huge impact on many families across Cornwall so it is good to see we have again secured this significant funding to help as many as possible. I hope it will go some way to ensure pensioners and parents in particular can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.”
If you are not a resident of Cornwall you will not be able to claim this help however your local council will be offering its own support. Local authorities are starting to announce what support they are giving between now and September 2024 when the scheme will end. To find out what this is you should go to your local council’s website. Usually, they will have a separate cost of living tab which details the help on offer.
