Vulnerable people in the Dorset Council area can apply for new support to help with rising costs.
Applications are being taken from Monday 6 June from pensioners and working age people in receipt of qualifying benefits or in fuel poverty.
Please note, the fund for working age people has now closed. It is still open to pensionable age residents. If you need financial support or advice, please go to our Cost of Living Help webpages to see how else you may be able to get help.
The council has been awarded the funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to provide short-term financial assistance.
The support will be via supermarket vouchers.
Vouchers will be issued to residents in the Dorset Council area with savings of less than £10,000 who meet the following criteria:
Either:
- Pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit;
- A pensioner or working age resident not in receipt of a means tested benefit who is in fuel poverty**; or
- Working age and in receipt of a means tested benefit* (this is now closed for working age, please see Cost of Living Help for support and advice).
*Means tested benefits are Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Rebate, Income-related ESA (Employment and Support Allowance), Income Support, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
**Fuel poverty is defined as spending 10% of household income on energy costs
Vouchers will also be provided during the school holidays to families in receipt of free school meals.
Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said:
“The Household Support Fund is there to help those who need it most.
“There is a simple online application form, and if you have any difficulties completing it, or do not use the internet, our library-based volunteer Digital Champions can assist you. Your local Citizens Advice office will also be able to help you.
“If you are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, there is a range of support available for you, so please act now.”
APPLY HERE
Residents will need their most recent bank statements, proof of benefits (if applicable), energy bill (if applicable) and identification.
The website also explains how to nominate a family member or friend if assistance is needed, or if the applicant does not have an email address.
Alternatively, applicants can get help to complete their form from a volunteer Dorset Digital Champion at their local library. To book an appointment, telephone 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday). See Digital Champion venue opening times.
Local Citizens Advice offices are also offering assistance. See opening times and locations or call customer services at Dorset Council on 01305 221027 for opening times.
Food vouchers during the holidays and free school meals
In line with previous school holidays, families of children who receive free school meals during term time will be provided with food vouchers over the summer holiday. These are funded by the Household Support Fund, and Dorset schools will share information about the vouchers direct with the families who receive free school meals.
If you do not claim free school meals for your child but think you might qualify, please apply by completing the online form. You can also apply for free activities for your child during the summer holidays.
Check if your child can receive free school meals
Other support
See where you can access food at local foodbanks, community fridges and social supermarkets
As raised on another site, do you filter out those who give high spending priority to cigarettes and alcohol?
Hi, supermarket vouchers are being issued as they don’t incur admin charges, whereas other voucher types do, so there is more money to help residents. Each retailer sets their own limitations on permitted voucher use, and Citizens Advice, who are administering applications and issuing vouchers on our behalf, are very experienced in assisting residents according to their circumstances. Best regards, Claire
How much would I get if I asked for asda ones please
Hi, all applicants receive the same amount, regardless of the supermarket they choose. This will be confirmed through your application process, Claire.
When do we receive these vouchers and how
Hello the Household Support Fund vouchers must be applied for and, following a full allocation to working age people, are now only available to people of state pension age with savings of less than £10,000. People can apply online at http://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/household-support-fund, or by visiting a local Citizens Advice office, or by making an appointment with a digital champion at local libraries.
oh dear me and my family seem to have missed this ! not pension age
I have received my £200 voucher 3 weeks ago I also applied on behave of my elderly nieghbour who doesn’t have internet to using my email address she has not received hers is the scheme now ended or is she still elegable thanks
Is this still available for people on means tested benefit? I’m not able to complete the application as there are no options for it now but there was last week
Dear Victoria, the fund for working age people on means tested benefits has now closed. If you need financial support or advice, please go to our Cost of Living Help webpages to see how else you may be able to get help. (It is still open to pensionable age residents). Claire.
think we missed it !! have been taken to pension age only now