Financial support for vulnerable Dorset residents this winter
Dorset Council has won government funding to help support vulnerable residents with essential costs
Dorset residents in need, including vulnerable families, will receive help with the cost of food and heating and other essentials this winter.
Dorset Council has been awarded £2,294,941 from the Government’s Household Support Fund which has been set up to help vulnerable households across the country in need of financial support.
Some of the money allocated to the council will be used to make sure children who receive free school meals during term time will have food vouchers over the Christmas, February half term and Easter school holidays.
Information about food vouchers will be shared with families direct from their school.
One-off winter energy vouchers of £200 will also be made available to households in receipt of Universal Credit with limited capability for work or, earnings below the free school meals and free prescription threshold.
At least 50 percent of the Household Support Fund will be used to support vulnerable families with children in Dorset. In addition to food and winter energy vouchers, other targeted emergency local assistance will be available including support for care leavers, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and people using food banks.
You may be able to claim up to £200 to cover your energy bills if you have one or more of the following:
- Receive Universal Credit
- Have limited capability for work
- Earn below the free school meals and free prescription threshold
Apply for winter energy voucher here.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said:
“The knock-on effects of the pandemic continue to place huge pressures on people, and we know many of our residents will be finding it hard to make ends meet, particularly at this time of year.
“This funding aims to help those who are struggling to pay for food, heating, and other essential household costs.
“We’re working with our Dorset Together partners to make sure this help will reach those most in need this winter.”
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Free school meals are available to children whose parents or carers receive financial support (also known as benefits).
Who can get free school meals? Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit; this is as long as you're not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190
- Working Tax Credit 'run-on' payment (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit: this is as long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
The school doesn't see any specific information about your income or the benefits you receive.
Children who are paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or carer, can also get free school meals.
You can apply for free school meals here.