Pension Age households in Colchester will receive a one-off payment from the Household Support Fund (HSF) to help with the increasing cost of living.
Colchester Borough Council has been given this funding by Essex County Council to support all households with at least one person who is already state pension age or will be by 30 September 2022 and is in receipt of benefit support. Households that meet the criteria will receive a one-off £80 payment.
Those that are eligible will receive a letter in the coming weeks, explaining what to do. It will state that if the council already holds a resident’s bank account details, there is nothing to do, and the payment will be made on 30 September 2022.
If bank details are unknown to the council, it will ask the resident to provide these details by going to colchester.gov.uk/HSF or by calling 01206 505855. All applications must be made by 9 September 2022.
Cllr Mark Cory, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “We are pleased that we can offer this additional support to those that most need it. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, and these payments will go some way to help ease financial pressures. This fund targets older people who are struggling, and this small amount may help to pay for increases in fuel and energy bills.
“We know these are challenging times and we want to make it as simple as possible for the people of Colchester to get the help they need. By visiting colchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living, you can find organisations that can help with things like accessing food, benefit and employment support, alongside financial and housing advice.”
Any resident struggling to pay their rent, bills or living expenses for any reason, can speak to our Financial and Employment Support Team. They will help access the support needed to manage finances. For more information visit colchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living or call 01206 505855.
Page last reviewed: 25 August 2022