Thousands of families in Tameside, Greater Manchester, are now able to access crucial cost-of-living payments worth up to £200, designed to ease financial pressures due to rising food and fuel costs. This initiative, funded through the Household Support Fund, will provide direct assistance to households in need across the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council area.
Key Details of the Initiative:
The scheme, launched today, offers essential financial support to households struggling with the increased cost of living. With inflation impacting food and fuel prices, this targeted assistance will help alleviate some of the burden, providing a lifeline to vulnerable families.
The eligibility for the scheme has been tailored to reach those most affected by financial hardship. It is available to 2,000 households within the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council area. The payments, which can be used for food and fuel, will be made in two different amounts depending on the household type.
Single-person households can access a payment of up to £100, which will be broken down into two portions: £51 for food and £49 for fuel. For couples and families with children, the payment increases to up to £200, with £102 allocated for food and £98 for fuel. These amounts are designed to provide meaningful relief for families struggling with essential living expenses.
This support is made possible through the Household Support Fund, a government initiative managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Labour Party government recently extended this fund to ensure continuous support for households facing hardship, especially in the wake of rising living costs.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Household Support Fund, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must live within the Tameside area, as the scheme is aimed exclusively at households within the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council jurisdiction.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and responsible for paying council tax within their household.
- Benefit Eligibility: The scheme is available to individuals who receive one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (with net earnings not exceeding £935 in the last monthly assessment period)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Job Seekers Allowance (Income Related)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Support
- Housing Benefit
Households who do not currently receive any of these benefits but are facing difficulties with food and fuel costs are encouraged to reach out for help. The Tameside Council’s welfare rights advice line can assist those who may need additional support in navigating the process.
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The payments are designed to target those in the greatest need, and this scheme is a vital part of the ongoing efforts to reduce financial hardship and address the needs of vulnerable families in the area.
How to Apply:
Eligible residents can apply for the cost-of-living payments online through the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council website. The application process is straightforward and designed to ensure quick access to the funds for those who need it most. Those who prefer to speak with someone can contact the welfare rights advice line at 0800 074 9985 for further assistance.
It is important for residents to apply as soon as possible, as the number of households eligible for the fund is limited to the first 2,000 applicants. Tameside Council encourages all residents who believe they may be eligible to submit their applications promptly to avoid missing out on this essential support.
Further Information and Assistance:
For more details on the eligibility criteria, application process, and payment breakdown, residents are encouraged to visit the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council website at www.tameside.gov.uk/householdsupportfund.
In addition, households facing financial difficulties related to food and fuel costs can access the council’s welfare rights advice service, which can provide guidance on available benefits and support options. The council’s team can assist residents who may not yet be receiving benefits, helping them explore other potential avenues for financial relief.
The Impact of the Household Support Fund:
The cold winter months, combined with rising food and fuel costs, have placed significant pressure on many households across the region. The cost-of-living crisis has only intensified the challenges families face as they try to balance daily expenses with an uncertain financial future. For households already managing tight budgets, these payments represent a much-needed respite.
The initiative not only provides financial assistance but also demonstrates a proactive approach from local authorities to support families facing increasing economic hardship. As the scheme is extended to thousands of households in Tameside, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community-level support and the critical role that councils play in helping residents navigate tough financial situations.
Conclusion:
The Household Support Fund is an essential resource for families in Tameside struggling with the impact of rising living costs. With payments of up to £200 available, the initiative is a timely response to the financial pressures facing local households. Tameside residents who meet the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply for assistance and access the support they need to cope with food and fuel expenses during these challenging times.
