Targeting help to increase family income

The Council is writing to a number of Coventry residents who may be eligible for Pension Credit.

It’s part of a wider effort to help people who are facing the most difficulties with the increasing costs of living to look at how they can urgently be supported.

The Council will also be writing to households and families who are struggling with rent arears, debt issues, or who could be eligible for receipt of free school meals or support with council tax payments. The hope is to help individuals and families to increase their income.

We are aware that there are older people who may not be receiving the full the Pension Credit support they are entitled to, so we are explaining how to make an application.

The process to apply for Pension Credit is straightforward and you can apply by any of the following methods:

• Phone the Governments Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234
• Or by Textphone on 0800 169 0133.

You can ask a friend or family member to help you make the call if you wish.

Successful applicants can receive up to £65 a week through the government scheme.

Anyone who receives the letter, who may be worried that it is a scam, can confirm its authenticity by calling Coventry City Council on 08085 834333.

For general help visit www.coventry.gov.uk/costofliving

Clothing Coventry- School Uniform Scheme

Clothing Coventry is supporting families struggling with the cost of school uniform by providing free, good quality second hand school uniforms.

You can request school uniform, or other clothing and shoes, by heading to www.clothingcoventry.org/referrals and providing information about theitems you need including gender, age clothes they are wearing and school colours.

Parents can self-refer using this form, and collect from their warehouse in Hillfields, or you can ask clothes parcels to be delivered to HAF venues.