‘Ask for financial help if struggling’ – Roffey

The department has issued a reminder about what help was available.

‘We must recognise that this has been an extraordinary period of increased costs for many islanders who are already struggling,’ Deputy Roffey said.

‘I strongly encourage islanders who are struggling to make ends meet to contact our income support team to explore these, and other, options that may be available to them.’

An extra needs allowance of up to £20 per week may be available to those who are receiving income support but not severe disability benefit, or who have an illness, disability or health condition that means they have additional costs relating to energy, laundry and clothing, and food and diet.

Some islanders’ medical and paramedical costs may also be covered, even if they fall outside of income support levels.

If they fall outside by up to £60 per week, and their savings are less than a specified limit, then their costs may be covered.

The savings limits range from £3,500 for a single person below pension age, to £8,000 for a couple where one or both of whom are of pension age.

In exceptional circumstances, medical cover can be provided, even if someone’s weekly income exceeds the income support level by more than £60 per week.

ESS vice-president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that there would be people entitled to extra financial benefit who were not aware of their entitlement.

‘We are conscious that people are struggling more than they normally would be, so we felt that it was right to shine a spotlight on the options that could be open to them,’ she said.

‘When benefits are debated in the States, one reoccurring theme that is raised is the fact that people who are struggling are often not aware of what they are entitled to.’

She said that the level of financial support offered was determined by a number of factors, including the overall rate of inflation, the inflation of sub-sectors such as food, and a minimum income standard study undertaken last year, which included a recalibration of the basket of goods.

She added that the extra needs allowance was not directly increased by the rate of inflation each year because it made more sense to keep it as a round number, such as a multiple of five or 10.

‘Like all the rates, the extra needs allowance is something that is reviewed each year in relation to inflation.’

‘It is important to keep an eye on how adequate the limits are in comparison to inflation, especially with food which has become more expensive more quickly than other areas and impacts people on lower incomes harder.’

‘However, a balance needs to be struck as it is resource-intensive, and so it should be reviewed frequently.’