I’ve received lots of correspondence from concerned constituents about the cost of living. These remain challenging times, and I know things have not been easy, so I want to hear your thoughts on the concerns you may have when it comes to the cost of living here in South Suffolk, and how best I can support you moving forward. Please respond to the short survey at the bottom of this page.
This page also includes details about the Household Support Fund and how to apply for Pension Credit. If you ever need my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected]
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is an allocation of funding that the Government has awarded to Suffolk County Council to support vulnerable people. It was confirmed in April 2025 that the HSF will run until March 2026.
Suffolk County Council allocates HSF money to residents in several ways, including the Warm Homes Suffolk Programme, supporting children during school holidays, financial help through the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme and housing support through the District Council local Housing Needs Team.
If you would like to learn more about the HSF and the support that may be available to you, please visit Suffolk County Council’s website - https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/communities/healthier/cost-of-living-support/household-support-fund
Pension Credit
What is Pension Credit?
- Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
- You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
- You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Am I eligible for Pension Credit?
- You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
- If you have a partner, you must include them on your application – to be eligible you must both be State Pension age, or one of you must be in receipt of Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
- Pension Credit tops up:
- Your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
- Your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
- You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.
- There is additional eligibility criteria to consider when applying for Pension Credit, so please make sure to read this page thoroughly before applying - https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility
How to apply for Pension Credit:
- You can apply online HERE, via the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 or by post by sending this form to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3
- You will need you National Insurance Number, information about your income, savings and investment, your bank account details
- You can begin your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension Age. You can check when you will State Pension age HERE.
- You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months. This means you can get up to 3 months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
- If you need help with your Pension Credit application, voluntary organisations such as Citizens Advice or Age UK may be able to help