Handyperson grants available for older people

Handyperson grants of up to 200 per household are available to enable people aged 65 or over to remain living independently and maintain their quality of life.

Applicants must live in East Sussex and have less than 23,250 in savings (46,500 for a couple).

The pilot scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council.

The money can be used for various small household jobs. The project is using one-off funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Grants may be particularly suited to clearing out lofts in order to top up insulation, using either Warm Front (0800 316 2805) or the East Sussex Energy Partnership (0800 980 0901), to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your monthly heating bills.

However people have used the grants for a variety of purposes.

A combined leaflet and application form is available from a wide range of agencies such as the housing departments, the Pensions Service, Trading Standards, Social Care Direct and voluntary organisations working with older people.

You can also contact the Supporting People team on 01273 482805 or email [email protected] for more information.