Castle Point residents encouraged to find out about benefits and support available this winter
Ahead of the colder winter months, Castle Point Borough Council has launched a campaign to encourage residents to check which benefits they might be entitled to.
Maximising your income is one of the best ways of coping with winter cost pressures, such as higher energy bills. Castle Point Borough Council offers a free Benefits Calculator - all details are anonymous and it only takes around ten minutes to complete.
Councillor Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: “Our message is clear, if you are entitled to benefits then you should be claiming them. We encourage all our residents to check their eligibility. If you can’t use the Benefit Calculator online, you can call us on 01268 882200 and our friendly team will help you.”
In addition, the Council has today, 7 October 2024, announced a £50,000 increase to its Exceptional Hardship Fund to support elderly residents this winter.
The Fund offers awards of £100 to residents experiencing hardship as a result of losing the Winter Fuel Payment. To be eligible, residents must have applied for all benefits they are entitled to.
Councillor Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: “We know that some of our residents may not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payments this year and might be concerned about making ends meet. We would encourage all residents in these circumstances to apply for the Exceptional Hardship Fund.”