More carers in Essex who are struggling with their household finances are to benefit from support from the Household Support Fund thanks to a further £20,000 awarded by Essex County Council.
The continuation of funding from the ECC Household Support Fund will help Carers First to identify and support more carers in need of funding support, to support them to better thrive in their caring role(s).
To be eligible, carers must be struggling financially and on a low income. Carers must be nominated by a Carer Support Adviser to apply, following the completion or review of a Carers Wellbeing Summary. This is a conversation about the situation around your caring role and the support you may need. If it is evident that carers are in need of financial assistance, nominations are then sent for approval.
The fund which offers one-off grants of up to £120 to assist carers with paying for essential bills such as food, gas, electric and water rates, car MOTs, and phone and broadband costs where carers rely on a landline service due to having a CareLine or needing to access online services, such as GP Booking services to manage their caring role; aims to reduce some of the rising financial strain on carers and provide some peace of mind.
Applications for support with funding small items of furniture, white goods or help with moving costs, can also be put forward by a Carer Support Adviser for carers in exceptional circumstances.
With the cost of food, fuel, energy prices and everyday items spiraling, carers finances are being impacted significantly, with many suffering financial hardships as a direct result of the care they provide. Many carers are unable to cope financially, causing increasing pressure on already challenging and stressful situations, with this likely to also impact on carers own mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Carers First recognise that unpaid carers are facing unprecedented financial difficulties because of the UK’s current cost of living crisis, combined with the added financial costs that caring can bring. Talking about how the fund can help carers, Veronica Sadowsky, Service Manager for Essex says:
"Some carers may be having trouble with rent arrears or are finding it difficult to support the person they care for to get around at home or out and about in their community. Or perhaps need some help with completing a benefits check and applying for benefits. Whatever support you need, our skilled Carer Support Advisers can help you to access what is available to you."
We understand it is likely that many carers will be taking difficult steps to manage their monthly household bills; with many predicted to have fallen into arrears with their energy bills as a result of the rise in the cost of living.
Carers First hopes that by having this fund continued for carers in Essex, it will help us to support more carers in need of financial assistance, helping to reduce some worry around paying for a higher bill or essential item they would otherwise struggle to pay for, or simply go without.
Jason, a carer from Essex, spoke to us about the support he received from the Household Support Fund through Carers First. He said:
"The money really helped me at a time when I was really struggling, as I needed food."
With this help, Jason was able to purchase frozen foods that were otherwise unavailable to him at food banks and had help with money towards his gas and electric bills when moving home.
For more information and advice on the benefits you may be entitled to as a carer, visit our help and advice topic on our website or contact us at hello@carersfirst.org.uk for more information.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.