what support is stiLL avaiLabLe in southwark for you to cL aim? If you are not on state benefits

FOr peOple who are on low income but do not receive any state benefits or pension, you could be help by the Southwark Council Cost of living Support Fund what iS it?

The Cost of Living Fund is for people who live in Southwark, have a low income, pay towards their energy bills and are in urgent need of cash support.

To be clear, the money is to help pay your heating and food bills.

You can claim £100 as a one-off payment. Only one claim per customer is allowed.

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk

iF yOU’re struggling to pay your energy bills, here’s an up-to-date guide to what support is available here in Southwark and how to apply if you are eligible.

Financial support for energy bills comes under two categories: those who are on low income but do not receive any state benefits or pension and those who receive benefits.

In this case, low income is classified as a household income of no more than about £20k per year or £400 per week after housing costs (rent or mortgage) and taxes (income tax and national insurance). Councils all run their own individual schemes and these vary.

Southwark Council has the Cost of Living Support Fund, which is largely funded by the Household Support Fund - and the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme.

The Household Support Fund is the money the government is giving to councils and unitary authorities to help people with their bills. This ends on March 31 - the amount for the next financial year has not yet been confirmed.

Through the Cost of Living Fund made up of council and national funding, 16,000 households have received a £100 one-off payment, and this week that the council allocated an extra £750k in the budget for 2023/24 so that we can continue to support residents.