If, for example, a person has an illness, disability or condition that accrues additional costs, they can apply for ENA to help fund energy costs, laundry, clothing, and special dietary requirements.
“For example, if someone has a condition which means they have to adhere to quite a strict diet, for health reasons, and that diet means that they have to incur additional costs, then that is the type of thing that would make someone eligible for ENA,” said Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, VP of Employment and Social Security.
She said the aim is to try and catch people who may feel “fall through the slats”.
“It might be a condition that doesn’t make you eligible for Severe Disability Benefit, because Severe Disability Benefit has quite a high threshold… there are a whole range of medical conditions which fall beneath that threshold… but still means that that person has to incur inflated costs as a result.”
The fresh push for awareness has been triggered by an increase in the cost of living.
“We are aware that a lot of people are struggling more than usual. We’re in a high inflation environment, it’s really hard to make ends meet and that is particularly difficult for people on lower incomes, and especially those people on lower incomes who have additional health requirements,” said Deputy de Sausmarez.
Pictured: Deputy de Sausmarez.
Historically there have been multiple campaigns to raise awareness of benefits as a whole, with Deputy de Sausmarez agreeing that people often don’t come forward for the benefits they’re entitled to.
“I think there are a couple of different reasons why people don’t always come forward for the support that they’re entitled to,” she said.
“But awareness – I think – is a very easily surmountable barrier. I think it would be a real shame if people are really struggling, really in need and eligible for extra support, but they’re just not aware that it exists.
“So, that’s why we’re trying to shine a bit more of a spotlight on it.”
Those eligible for ENA could get an additional £20 per week on top of their Income Support.
ESS would also like to remind people that “if they fall outside of Income Support levels by up to £60 a week and their savings are less than [a certain amount]” they could be eligible for help with their medical bills.
The Committee says: “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. This need is established by the Income Support team on an individual case-by-case basis.”
The President of ESS, Deputy Peter Roffey, says he strongly encourages anyone who is struggling to “make ends meet” to contact the Income Support team.
You can email them on incomesupport@gov.gg.