Advice during the cost of living

The Coronavirus Pandemic has left a lot of older adults, isolated and shielding at home with no access to physical activity opportunities and in some cases completely unable to leave their home to exercise. Many have lost confidence in venturing out and therefore have become more sedentary.

Because of this, Northamptonshire sports are launching a new project called Active Chats, and are looking for local befrienders and volunteers who can carry out a weekly telephone or virtual video conversation with someone who is lonely, shielding or isolated. The aim of the call is to take individuals through a suggested conversation around being active while at home using the resources provided.

The aim of the call is to take individuals through a suggested conversation around being active while at home using the resources provided. Examples of exercise at home include seated exercises that they can do without the need for any specialist equipment. The Active At Home booklet will be used as a guide to talk participants through some exercises they can do on their own. If you would like to use this booklet, you can find a copy of it to download by clicking this link.

If you would like to find out more about this new project, or would like to volunteer, then please head on over to the active chats page, which can be found here.

Pension calculator for pensioners

On the 25th January, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reminded pensioners on low incomes to apply for Pension Credit by 5 March, as it could mean an extra £299 cost-of-living support.

The DWP has made available an online Pension Credit calculator, which state pensioners are advised to use to check how much they may be eligible to claim. Pension Credit is designed to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income, though people do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.

Social Tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.

They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.

How a social tariff could help you

  • It’s available to those on a variety of benefits - If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.

  • It’s cheaper than a regular package - Current prices range from £10 to £20.

  • Fast, unlimited broadband - Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.

  • You’ll pay next-to-nothing to get set up - If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.

  • It could cost nothing to switch - If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.

  • The price won’t go up mid-contract - You won't pay any more than what you agree at the start of the contract.

  • It costs nothing to leave - You won't pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.

For more information about social tariffs, and to take a look at some available tariffs, you can visit the Ofcom website here.

UON cost of living fair

 
 

citizens advice help to claim and cost of living crisis

Citizens Advice have a dedicated team to help people claim for Universal Credit. Their advisers can support you through the process - from checking Universal Credit is right for you all the way to getting your first full payment.. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim to find out more.

Calling 0800 144 8444 This is the national number for Help to Claim - call free Monday-Friday 8am-6pm

Web chat at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim A Help to Claim adviser will talk through the process of completing the form in real time - available Monday-Friday 8am-6pm


Government Energy grants

With the ongoing energy crisis, many people are struggling with being able to heat their homes. The government has set up various energy grants that you may be eligible for. For more information on these different grants, please visit the new consumer rights grant portal, which can be found here.

 ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

West Northants Council will be providing those most in need with immediate financial help in the form of vouchers that can be redeemed against shopping costs in a range of supermarkets. With the recent and ongoing rises in the cost of living, it is often the most vulnerable and disadvantaged that have the hardest choices to make, sometimes as stark as heating or eating.

Using a grant provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), West Northants Council will be providing a one-off payment in the form of vouchers. All previous recipients of the Household Support Fund fuel voucher scheme which has operated from December 2021 will receive a payment of up to £80. All house owner/renter recipients of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTR), both working and non- working and including pensioners, will receive a voucher payment of £50.

The vouchers can be redeemed against shopping costs at a range of supermarkets but must be redeemed by 30th April 2022. All eligible recipients will start to receive a notification together with the voucher(s) from 30th March 2022. More information on this support can be found here.

Wellbeing grants available

Care & Repair Northamptonshire is an established independent charitable home improvement agency providing a comprehensive range of practical support interventions in the home to help enable people to remain safe, warm and secure at home.

They aim to work with disadvantaged, vulnerable people, older people and those who are experiencing hardship, such as being rehoused due to escaping domestic violence/abuse. They currently have several funded Schemes available to support those most in need, including:

• General Hardship fund for small essential repairs

• Gas Safety Fund for those who are disabled or on low income

• NESS Home warmth service to save energy and keep homes warmer

• Safer at Home - Home Security Service – free home security assessment.  Works are either fully funded or subsidised

Anyone can refer or self-refer by phone or email:

office@careandrepairnorthamptonshire.org.uk

http://www.careandrepairnorthamptonshire.org.uk/

01604 782250