The Department for Work and Pensions recently disclosed details on who will be eligible for the latest batch of summer cost of living payments.
Cost of Living Payments: Household Fund Extension Offers Aid to Vulnerable Groups
The Household Support Fund will be extended for six months, providing financial assistance to thousands of people between now and September 30th.
The amounts on offer are determined by how each local government decides to use their allotment. This consists of £200 payments from the £12.8 million provided for Birmingham City Council, which will be dispersed through the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council to aid with food and heating bills.
The DWP claims it is sending data and information to authorities to assist them in identifying persons in need in their area.
These involve Universal Credit claims with limited job capabilities or incomes that fall below the free school lunch and free medication standards.
It also includes recipients of Pension Credit's Guarantee Credit and/or Savings Credit, those receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and those receiving solely Housing Benefit.
The Department emphasizes that the Household Support Fund is designed to assist a wide range of households with lower incomes, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those dealing with "one-off financial shocks or unforeseen events."
It encourages local governments to recognize the needs of disabled persons who may face difficulties in managing their conditions, remaining independent, and avoiding social isolation. Some people are experiencing high gas and electricity costs as a result of the energy required to power medical equipment. Others face greater water and transportation bills.
Authorities Urged to Prioritize Support for Vulnerable Groups
Authorities are "strongly encouraged" to investigate ways to support this group, and they must report the total value of financial awards awarded to the disabled so that the DWP can examine how the money was used.
It also states that care leavers and caregivers should be considered when determining who receives assistance from the new round of support. The DWP explains: "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.
"Authorities should also consider supporting people with caring responsibilities in their area. They may have additional heating, water or transport costs."