PENSIONERS across Bromsgrove and Redditch are being urged to apply for funds which will help with life’s essentials from food to fuel bills.
Residents aged 66 and over are eligible to apply for the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been ringfenced for them, before the end of September.
Funds can help with the cost of essentials like fixing and replacing broken boilers and repaying energy debts before winter, and even covering food bills.
Friends and family of older residents are also being urged to let them know about this funding and to encourage them to apply.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader Coun Karen May said: “It is vital our pensioners, especially those who aren’t usually in receipt of benefits apply as there is a chance they may meet the criteria.
“But the scheme ceases at the end of September and any applications which aren’t processed by then won’t count.
“So please apply as soon as possible as, with the rise of the cost of living, every penny counts.”
Redditch Borough Council’s head of community services Judith Willis said: “Each application takes a number of weeks to process so they need to apply ASAP to see if they are eligible.
“This is not a benefits scheme and must be applied for and I am sure with the rise of the cost of living, every penny counts and you may receive unexpected support to cover eligible costs.”
Visit the websites at bromsgrove.gov.uk/hsf or redditchbc.gov.uk/hsf to apply.
Call 0800 988 2881 for help with energy bills or 0808 2787890 for other costs.
