Over the last few years we know that for some people the cost-of-living crisis has been incredibly tough.
To combat this millions of pounds has been set aside by the Council to ensure that all kinds of support – from food and medicine, to paying bills or combatting loneliness – has been made available to people of all ages in Manchester.
Before Christmas a special payment went out to more than 5,000 people aged over 65, whose details we already had on our system and who we knew might need some extra help.
Through this move the Council has been able to pay out just over £757,000 to eligible families and residents, consisting of payments of £150 – £200 made directly to a person’s bank account, or via Post Office vouchers for those who want to pay their bills in person.
But, now the council wants to remind people that it has also extended this scheme to include those people aged 66 or over who may not have been contacted before Christmas, or who are still finding it difficult to pay their bills during the cold weather, or who did not get a winter fuel payment and do not receive housing benefit or council tax support.
In the last two weeks alone more than 650 people have come forward for payments, and the council is now urging more people to apply in a process that’s quick, easy and does not involve giving any details of any personal savings.
People can apply via this form manchester.gov.uk/winterfuelfund. Or, if they need some help with filling out the form they can also ring for free on our cost-of-living advice line on 0800 023 2692.
Relatives can also make an application on behalf of a family member.
Click here to find out more about the support on offer during the cost-of-living crisis.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: Throughout the cost-of-living crisis, Manchester City Council has prioritised those most in need, spending millions of pounds helping those facing tough times, the most vulnerable and on long term solutions to tackle poverty.
“I’m pleased to say that since launching our Winter Hardship Fund for the over 65s this winter, we have helped more than 6,000 Manchester residents. The fact that we have had more than 650 people come forward in the past two weeks alone demonstrates the importance of this winter support
“Keeping the heat on at this time is year is incredibly important, especially for older people who may have been struggling during the cost-of-living crisis. That’s why we’ve tried to make the application process as easy as possible, but we do have staff on hand to help anyone who may not have access to a computer, or be able to make the application online.
“We’ve already had messages from people telling us this fund has been a big help for people needing to pay their heating bill, but also how it is helping managing health conditions which may have been made worse during the cold weather.
“That’s why we want to continue spreading this message, and I’d ask people to check in with their older loved ones to make sure they’re staying warm this winter.”