ELIGIBLE Tameside residents can now apply for grants to help with the cost of living this winter.
A new £300,000 scheme has opened to assist those in the borough struggling most with food and energy bills.
Couples and families with children can apply for one-off grants of up to £200 from the Household Support Fund through Tameside Council, while people who live on their own could claim £100.
It’s open to people living in Tameside who are aged 16 or over and receiving at least one of the following benefits:
Universal Credit (and you have no earnings or yours and your partner’s net earnings in the last monthly assessment period are no more than £935
Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
Income Support
Pension Credit
Job Seekers Allowance (income related)
Council tax support
Housing benefit
Pensioners who do not receive any of the above benefits but are still struggling with the cost of fuel and food have been urged to contact the council’s welfare rights advice line – open Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm – on 0800 074 9958.
The Household Support Fund is part of the local authority’s £2.2 million package of cost-of-living support for residents.
Denton South councillor Jack Naylor, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said: “This is a fund for those in the greatest need and I would strongly encourage residents who are eligible to apply.
“While this is a limited fund with a high demand, I’m so pleased that we’ll be able to support around 2,000 residents with this open application scheme as part of our wider plans for the Household Support Fund.
“Our teams will be processing applications as quickly as possible to make sure payments reach those most in need.
“If you are struggling, my message is simple, please do get in touch with us, we are here to help however we can.”
All applicants are required to complete an application form online, which can be accessed here.