Cambridgeshire pensioners struggling with the rising cost of living can apply for support from the Household Support Fund thanks to a partnership between Cambridgeshire County Council and Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (Age UK CAP).
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 from today (June 13). Financial support can be provided within a few days as well as help to find longer-term support to maximise and manage their finances.
Leaflets and posters will be distributed throughout the county in places like day centres, GP surgeries and libraries, and through Age UK CAP services, giving information about the scheme and how to apply.
Those seeking support should apply to Age UK CAP on 01223 221929 or email hsf@ageukcap.org.uk
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.
Further information on the Household Support Fund can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/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, CEO 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.”
