Sefton Council writing to eligible pensioners about one-off extra £80 cost of living payment

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Sefton Council is writing to eligible pensioners across the Borough to tell them they could qualify for an extra £80 to help with the cost of living.

After receiving funding from the Government through the Household Support Fund, the Council is using of the money to make a one-off £80 payment to Sefton pensioners who also qualify for Council Tax Reduction.

Post Office

To collect the Household Support Fund payment, Sefton pensioners receiving the letter need to take it to any Post Office. They also need to take along any TWO of the following items as proof of identity:

  • Passport or driving licence
  • Council Tax Bill
  • DWP or Housing Benefit award Letter
  • Bus Pass or other photo ID card
  • Current utility or household bill
  • Signed Post Office / Bank card
  • Bank Statement

Proof of identity

The Post Office will issue the payment in cash. The name and address on the proof of identity must be the same as that shown on the letter, and payment must be collected within one month of the date on the letter. After this, the payment will no longer be valid.

The Household Support Fund has been created to provide help with significantly rising living costs including increases in energy costs, food, and water bills. The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and can be used specifically to help pensioners with essential costs such as energy, food and water.

Much-needed

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “With many local people struggling to cope with the spiralling cost-of-living, I am pleased that Sefton Council, is able to distribute this much-needed additional funding for local pensioners.  We are using the Household Support Fund to try and make sure that those most in need in receive support.

“If people are experiencing severe hardship, a disaster or emergency, details of our Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/household-support.”

Housing Support Fund payments are being made from a cash-limited fund, which closes shortly. Further payments cannot be made once the Fund is closed.

You can find more about Cost of Living support and advice here.