People struggling with the cost of living in Portsmouth are urged to apply to the City Council for financial support before a funding scheme closes next month.
It is money which councils give to residents to help pay for essentials like food and bills.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “We currently have funds still available for individuals and families in hardship. But the government has not yet confirmed if it will extend its household support fund beyond September, so we’re urging Portsmouth residents who are eligible to act now and apply.”
There are three schemes available:
- Exceptional hardship scheme – For people in severe financial hardship who are struggling to afford essentials. The final round of applications close at 12noon on Friday 13 September.
- Vouchers for low-income families – Low-income families whose children aren’t eligible for benefits-related free school meals and didn’t receive a £60 voucher through their school can still apply for one. Applications close at 12noon on Friday 13 September.
- Living costs payment – a one-off payment for the following groups of people:
- Care-experienced adults who were in the care of Portsmouth City Council as a child
- Low-income carers
- Low-income single adults (under the age of 25)
- Low-income households who are unable to work because of illness or disability, who are not receiving an element in their Universal Credit for Limited Capability for Work, or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity.
Those eligible in one of the groups will receive a £150 payment, and those eligible in two or more groups will receive £250. Applications close at 12noon on Friday 20 September.
Portsmouth residents can check their eligibility for all of the funding available and apply on Portsmouth City Council’s website: Household support fund – Portsmouth City Council. Alternatively, you can call the council’s household support fund helpline to get assistance making a telephone application on 023 9268 8010.
If you’re receiving support from the council, a professional like a support worker can apply for an exceptional hardship payment on your behalf.
And cost of living advice and support remains available to all Portsmouth residents, regardless of circumstances, through our cost-of-living hub: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/costofliving. You can call the hub on 023 9284 1047 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4.30pm Friday.
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