Struggling Cornwall Families to Get One-Off £140 Payment This Month

Low-income households across Cornwall are set to receive a one-off payment of £140 or more later this month to help with food, energy, and water bills.

£7.9 Million Support Fund Extended

Cornwall Council has secured a further £7.9 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to continue the Household Support Fund for another 12 months, running from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.

Some of this funding will be used to provide automatic cash payments by the end of November 2025, aimed at helping those struggling with day-to-day essentials.

Who Will Receive Payments?

Payments will be made automatically to eligible residents, including:

• £140 to pensioner households receiving Council Tax Support on 30th September 2025

• £140 to adults assessed as needing domiciliary care and receiving financial help from Cornwall Council

• £140 per child for families receiving Council Tax Support on 30th September 2025

• £140 per child for families living in emergency accommodation arranged by the Council’s Housing Options service

No application is needed. Those eligible will receive a letter or email in November confirming the payment amount and how it will be made.

Proof of ID and Payment Options

If you receive a voucher to cash at the Post Office, you’ll need to show proof of identity such as a passport, driving licence, utility bill, or DWP benefit entitlement letter.

If you’re unable to access the Post Office or provide suitable ID, a BACS payment can be requested instead. Instructions will be included in the voucher letter. Cornwall Council notes that there may be a delay of up to three weeks while vouchers are verified, and payments are processed weekly.

Extra Help for Families During Holidays

Additional support will continue during school holidays through the Time2Move Holiday Programme, offering fun activities and a free meal for children receiving benefits-related Free School Meals.

Other Ways to Get Help

Those not receiving Council Tax Support but on a low income can check if they qualify via Cornwall Council’s Benefits and Support webpage or use the Better Off benefits and budgeting calculator to find out what other support they may be entitled to.

Further help is also available through local organisations:

• Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – 01872 266383, email: gateway@ageukcornwall.org.uk

• Community Energy Plus – Freephone 0800 954 1956

• Citizens Advice Cornwall – 0808 812 7156, Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm

• Disability Cornwall & Isles of Scilly – 01736 759500, email: advice@dialcornwall.org.uk

• Cornwall Carers Service – 01736 756655

Cost of Living and Mental Health Support

More cost of living help is listed on the Council’s support for residents page.

Residents can also view the Worrying About Money? leaflet for quick access to local advice and financial crisis support.

For anyone struggling with their mental health, help is available 24/7 through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300.