Household Support Scheme extended for energy bills and food

The Government has announced the Household Support Scheme will be extended to help with the rising cost of living.

The scheme will continue to be run by the Council and local partners, to help residents of Blackburn with Darwen to access food, support with energy and water bills, and other essential items.

It can give support to families and children and other vulnerable adults to help keep people who may be struggling to stay warm and fed.

It is aimed at families with children and other vulnerable people who may or may not meet the threshold for benefits but may be affected by increased fuel prices, job losses and rising energy and food bills.

Funding may be available for:

• Blackburn with Darwen children, families and vulnerable adults
• single claimants with an annual household income below £21,152
• couples with an annual household income below £31,731

When applying, we may ask you about your savings.

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following additional criteria:

• recipient of income related benefits, such as Universal Credit claimants
• facing financial hardship
• diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder)
• diagnosed with a long term medical condition related to diabetes (both type 1 and 2), respiratory or cardiovascular diseases
• diagnosed with long COVID

You must be able to provide evidence for those that apply to you above.

For more details on the scheme and what it can offer, and to see if you qualify for support, go to: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-scheme

The Council is working with a number of local organisations including Blackburn Foodbank, Darwen Food Larder, Care Network, BwD Healthy Living, BwD Age UK, BwD Carers, Rummage Rescuers, Jubilee Tower Credit Union, United Utilities, Community Business Partners, Community Centres in BwD, and THOMAS.

Cllr Vicky McGurk, Executive Member for Finance and Governance, said:

We are pleased to be able to extend the Household Support Scheme and be able to carry on helping our residents in this way over the spring and summer.

People are struggling with the rising cost of living, with energy prices going up and food and fuel prices rising. We want to be able to give as much support as we can to help people and the Household Support Scheme is a big part of this.

If you are struggling then please do take a look at the scheme and the eligibility criteria to see if you could receive help.”