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Introduction
Carers on a low income in England have recently become eligible for free cost of living support worth £300, allocated by councils to local authorities. This support is goodwill gift through the Household Support Fund, as identified by a funding round worth £421 million. Local authorities, including Herefordshire Council, are offering this support with set criteria for eligibility.
Understanding the Support Offered
Local authorities, such as Herefordshire Council, play a crucial role in distributing the support. Carers who areonian on £151 weekly (after tax) and are unpaid carers in certain roles are eligible for £300 one-off payments. These payments are distributed based on local criteria, such as household income and other conditions. Councils aim to help as many carers as possible as the scheme continues until April 2025, but they may deplete their allocated funds as the deadline approaches.
Eligibility and Conditions
Finding a free £300 payment can be counterintuitive. To qualify, carers must meet specific criteria such as operating under Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Carer’s Allowance, while also reducing income due to their care responsibilities, such as reducing starting pay or leaving a job to afford support. Eligibility also requires the carer to be in a vulnerable situation, such as being in a low-to-average income bracket or associated with a vulnerable condition.
Offer of Vouchers
Herefordshire Council is offering £300 payments through one-off dollars if the carer is unpaid. You can download the application from Carers Links or contact local authorityfor more details. Other councils and regional bodies may offer vouchers building on local agreements, but you can only claim what your local authority provides.
Help Options
In addition to the free money, obtaining necessary universal credit benefit and welfare payments is a way to receive the £300. For those struggling to meet basic needs, help options like free energy grants, free food, and emergency food parcels are available.
Key Features
The Support Fund ispowered by £421 million allocated by the government, with £300 guaranteed figures. Councils may receive varying amounts from -£33 million to +£5 million overall, depending on their specific allocation.
Support and Benefits
Carers seeking help should contact local authorities as soon as possible. For mindfulness, calculators can assess your eligibility for the Support Fund or other benefits, providing guidance on what you might be eligible for.
Conclusion
The £300 support allocated to carers on low income is a crucial part of a £421 million scheme. While some councils may depleted their share, other local authorities offer help through vouchers. Understanding eligibility and the criteria is essential to claiming the funds. Compliance with the scheme and timely application are vital to avoid delaying help.
