More cost of living support available for Oxfordshire residents receiving housing benefits

More cost of living support available for Oxfordshire residents receiving only housing benefits and therefore do not qualify for the government’s cost of living payments.

Some Oxfordshire residents receiving housing benefits can now claim £300 to help with living costs, thanks to the latest round of the Household Support Fund.

Oxfordshire County Council has sent letters to over 4,250 residents eligible for support. These residents receive housing benefits but no other relevant state benefits and therefore do not qualify for the government’s cost of living payments.

Each letter has a link to a form where residents can securely enter their bank details. They will also receive a unique reference number to protect against fraud. Residents must complete this form by 28 March 2023 to claim this money.

Anyone with concerns or who is unable to access the online form can contact Oxfordshire County Council’s customer service team by calling 01865 956511.

The council received £3.3 million from Department for Work and Pensions. This funding is the third round of the Household Support Fund to support vulnerable residents.

As well as assisting residents who receive housing benefits, the council is offering support to other vulnerable groups:

£1.1m food vouchers for children and early years on free school meals during school holidays
Over £500,000 to city and district councils for local emergency welfare schemes
£200,000 for residents known with long-term health conditions and disabilities
£200,000 for carers across Oxfordshire

In all cases, residents will be directly contacted about support by their school or the council. Those who need to apply for emergency welfare can apply through their city or district council.

Residents can learn more about help available during the cost of living crisis at Oxfordshire County Council’s dedicated webpage oxfordshire.gov.uk/living

Claire Taylor, Oxfordshire County Council’s Corporate Director for Customers and Organisational Development and Resources, said: “We know it’s a challenging time for many residents.

“That is why we are using the Household Support Fund, money provided by Department for Work and Pensions, to support residents most in need.

“This measure is another way the council is continuing to support residents during the cost of living crisis, and I would encourage everyone eligible to respond to their letter as soon as possible.”

More information

Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards service is encouraging all residents to ‘Take 5 to Stop Fraud’ during the cost of living crisis.

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Report: You can report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud any time using the online reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm). If you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, dial 999.

For advice on any other consumer issue or to report a matter to trading standards, call the Citizens Advice national consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or at citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer