Funding STILL available to support with cost of living

Cost of living support this February
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Cost of living newsletter header
Welcome,
We’re well into the New Year now, and lots of us will be looking forward to Spring, however there's still a cold breeze in the air and many of us may still need support with the cost of living.
*This newsletter includes information on:*
* Tax credits ending
* Support with childcare
* Cost of Living Payments
* Household Support Fund
* Fire safety at home
*There are lots of spaces across Doncaster where you can speak to somebody- whether that be about managing debt, heating your home or just having a chat and a cup of tea, you can find them through our cost of living support page [
].*
Cost of living support [
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Your Money header
*Household Support Fund: Applications are STILL open!*
The *Household Support Fund* provides support for those who may be affected by the rise in cost of living. This includes: support with food for children during school holidays, and help towards energy bills for working age adults.
To be eligible you must be receiving one of the following:
* Housing benefits
* Local Council Tax reduction
* Universal Credit which includes the housing element
* Means-tested free school meals.
*Applications are open until March 1 2024 at 5PM when the fund closes, and no further applications can be accepted after the closing date.*
Apply Now! [
]
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*Citizen Advice Energy Project*
Citizens Advice are working to support individuals and families through the British Gas Trust Energy Project.
Here’s how they can help support you:
* *Benefit Checks:* Uncover hidden financial support.
* *Income Maximisation: *Make your income work harder for you.
* *Energy Trust Funds:* Easy access to vital assistance.
* *Priority Services: *Ensure your energy needs are met.
* *Arrears Guidance:* Manage energy debt with confidence.
* *Boost Income:* Explore local and national support options.
* *Charitable Aid:* We’re here to lend a helping hand.
If you are looking for help or advice from the *British Gas Energy Project*, please contact on (01302) 243057 or visit the Citizen's Advice website [
] referral form.
Online Referrals [
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*Tax credits are ending, what's next? *
Are you claiming legacy benefits like JSA or working Tax Credit?
Citizens Advice Doncaster are hosting sessions at *Helping Hands Community Centre, New Edlington, DN12 1PL *so you can find out how the incoming changes to old style benefits will impact you:
* *February 28:* 9:30 – 11:30 AM
* *March 13:* 9:30 – 11:30 AM
* *March 27:* 9:30 – 11:30 AM
*You can find out more about the changes to old style benefits through the Understanding Universal Credit website [
].*
Tax credits universal credit
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Cost of Living Payments graphic
*Cost of Living Payment *
The government is providing help for households to combat the rising cost of living. Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive a *third of three Cost of Living Payments* worth up to £900 for this financial year 2023/2024.
The payment of £299 will be paid automatically between* 6 and 22 February*, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC.
*Visit the government's website [
] for information of whether you qualify.*
Cost of Living Payment [
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Your family header
Childcare Choices
*Childcare Choices*
*Childcare Choices provides help with childcare costs for parents across the UK, helping them return to work.*
Changes are coming in England from April 2024, to expand the support to younger age groups. For eligible working families, this is currently available for 3-4-year-olds, but will be now accepting applications for 2-year-olds for April 2024:
* *Up to 15 hours* over 38 weeks of the year for 2-year-olds
* *Up to 30 hours* over 38 weeks of the year for 3–4-year-olds
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week. You can find out more through the government website [
].
Childcare Choices [
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Your health header
Visit the Health Bus
*The FREE Health Bus offers free drop-in GP clinics at different sites across Doncaster.*
If you have a minor ailment or illness that’s been troubling you and we’re in the neighbourhood, come and see the health bus!
Our Health Bus Service makes stops in communities so that everyone, regardless of whether you’re registered with a local GP practice or not, can access high quality healthcare. The Health Bus is staffed by GPs, nurses and other healthcare staff who work locally in Doncaster.
See where the health bus is this week [
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South Yorkshire Fire service assisting a woman in her home
*South Yorkshire Fire*
*South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue offer home safety visits to people who are considered to be at particular risk of fire.*
To find out whether you are eligible for a visit, you can complete an online home safety check [
]
or call 0114 253 2314 and one of the community safety team will assist you in booking a home fire safety visit.
Online Safety Check [
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This email was sent to david.reid@trustedcarcheck.co.uk using GovDelivery Communications Cloud, on behalf of: Doncaster Council · Civic Office, Waterdale · South Yorkshire, DN1 3BU GovDelivery logo [
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