Worcestershire residents facing financial difficulties can now access increased Cost of Living payments, with certain households receiving up to £500—an increase of £200 from the previous £300. This initiative is managed by Act on Energy on behalf of Worcestershire County Council and funded through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.
The fund is designed to help households cope with rising expenses related to energy and water bills. Support covers electricity, gas, water, oil, LPG, and solid fuels such as coal or wood. Eligible households will receive varying amounts based on their composition.
Families with children under 18, or young adults up to 21 who are in full-time education, are eligible for payments up to £500. This means families with children born from 2005 through 2026 may qualify for the increased support. Conversely, households comprised solely of adults aged 18 to 66, and single or couples of pensionable age, can receive up to £300.
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Applicants must submit all required documentation during the online application process for their requests to be considered. Worcestershire County Council notes that due to high demand, processing times may take several weeks. Application status updates will not be provided over the phone.
Additional stipulations include a limit of two Current Usage Payments through the Household Support Fund per applicant since 1 April 2024, along with a mandatory six-month interval between applications. This funding is not designed as emergency support; individuals requiring urgent assistance with energy costs should contact their energy supplier, local district council, or seek advice from community services.