Source: City of Portsmouth
Four financial support schemes are currently open for Portsmouth residents on low income to apply for – but hurry as some close soon.
Portsmouth City Council is offering:
- A child voucher scheme (closes 28 February) – for 0-19s or someone at least 20 weeks pregnant who is part of a household that earns below £1,800 a month.
- The final round of the Exceptional Hardship scheme (closes 14 March) – one-off payments for adults in extreme financial hardship (check the website for full eligibility)
- Energy Payment Scheme for 16-24s and carers (closes 17 March) – those on low-income and receiving qualifying benefits (check the website for full eligibility)
These schemes are funded by the UK Government’s Household Support fund, and you can find the eligibility criteria for all these and apply at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/hsf
We are still also offering our council-funded:
- Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment open until 7 March
This is a one-off payment this year for some pensioners on low income who did not receive the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment. Find the full criteria and apply here.
Pension Credit support events
On the same webpage you’ll find information about Pension Credit, how pensioners can find out if they might be eligible and missing out on money. We’re hosting a series of Pension Credit information sessions taking place across the city people can come along to, with dates and locations on the webpage.
Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“We want these hardship support payments to reach far and wide and as many Portsmouth residents as possible. So please do let friends, family, and those you work with know about the support that is currently available, or apply yourself if you’re eligible.
“Our cost of living staff are always available to help anyone with advice about these schemes or the wider support that’s available to them.”
Cost of living support for all
- Call our cost of living telephone number 023 9284 1047 for help with these schemes, or if you have general concerns about money and want some professional advice. It’s open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4.30pm on Friday, or alternatively visit our cost of living online hub.