02 Dec 2020

Helping hand for most vulnerable this winter

Havering Council has unveiled a new package of financial support to help residents through the winter months.

The COVID Winter Grant Scheme will allow the Council to help the most vulnerable households and families with children, that have been worst affected by the pandemic.

This help means that following a successful assessment, low-income families will be able to claim cash payments of £170 a month to help with heating and other essential utility bills. Low income families include those receiving welfare benefits, or households with children, that have an overall income of less than £500 per week.

Meanwhile, individuals or smaller households with low incomes (less than £350 per week for individuals and couples), can also get £100 per month to keep their homes warm this winter.

The COVID Winter Grant scheme also promises continued support with free school meals to ensure no child goes hungry during the school holidays. Eligible families can claim £30 per child for the Christmas holiday, and £15 per child for the February half-term holiday.

This was made possible after an extra boost of over £600k from the Government which allows the Council to expand the existing Havering Helps (Emergency Assistance) Scheme to provide even more support to struggling households and families in need over what may be a very difficult winter.

How to apply

Residents can apply for Havering Helps online through the existing DABD online application form managed for Havering Council by DABD. DABD will then follow up applications by phone. Visit: www.havering.gov.uk/covid19moneyadvice

Residents can check if they are eligible and apply for free school meals at: www.havering.gov.uk/covid19mealsupport

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“Earlier this year I asked for £1.5m of funding to be put aside for our Havering Helps scheme to help those residents most in need. I am so pleased to say that we can now go even further with this additional funding. It means we can offer peace of mind to help those most in need at a time where many households and families are struggling to put food on the table or are worried about heating their homes over the coming months.

“COVID-19 has affected many people in different ways, including losing their jobs, so we want to do what we can to help.

“I’m also proud that we are able to give eligible families further support with free school meals over the Christmas break at £30 per child, and £15 per child for the February half-term holidays as well. This follows my decision for the Council to provide free school meals over the October half-term. Our action means that our most vulnerable children will get the help they need.

“We now have a glimmer of hope with a potential vaccine on the way, but until the country returns to a new normal, my Council and I are here to support those who need it most during this most challenging time.”

ENDS

Contact Information

Benjamin Vaughan
Benjamin.Vaughan@havering.gov.uk

Notes to editors

COVID Winter Grant Scheme

£250,000 will be made available to extend the existing Havering Helps Emergency Assistance Scheme to provide even more support to struggling households and families in need over what may be a very difficult winter.
The money will help to provide further emergency support to low income families and households.
Eligible families with children can claim cash payments of £170 in a month up to £1,700 in a year.
Those eligible without children can get payments of £100 in a month up to £1,000 in a year.
The money can be used for a range of reasons including: food, essential items and urgent repairs, such as for boilers, utility bills, school uniforms, travel to and from school, debt payments and medical costs.
Furniture and white goods are also available under the scheme.

Free school meals

£315,000 will be made available for families who meet the criteria for the scheme.
Eligible families will be able to claim £30 per child for the December (Christmas) holiday and £15 per child for the February half-term holiday.
This will help around 7,000 children across Havering – ensuring they won’t go hungry in the winter holidays.
It follows the Council’s decision to provide free school meals to low-income families during the October half-term holiday.
Families who received money for support with meals during the October half-term, will not need to reapply and will automatically receive money into their designated account.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 11 December for support during the Christmas holidays.
Residents can check if they are eligible and apply at: havering.gov.uk/covid19mealsupport

Other support schemes

Help is also available from other schemes such as:

The Warm Home Discount https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme Gives £140 each year to pensioners and people who receive certain benefits who need help with their energy bills.

Fuel Direct helps people receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit manage their fuel bills (available through job centre plus).

The Winter Fuel Payment is for those aged over 63, and it pays up to £300 (if you’re aged over 80) towards your winter heating. Should be paid automatically if you receive a state pension.

Cold Weather Payment https://coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk/

If winter is particularly cold, some households will be eligible for the Government’s cold weather payment, worth £25 for each week that is below zero degrees Celsius.

Downloads

Havering Helps Winter
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