Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS)’s Post

The North has the land, expertise, and capacity to build many more homes than it does presently. But too many sites across the North don’t stack up financially. And public money goes too often to sites with higher values in the South, leaving the North to miss out again and again. We are launching Mind the Gap, a campaign for a government discretionary grant aid programme for the North. Property professionals can add their name in support of the campaign, which we will take to Westminster. In partnership with Cavendish and Lichfields UK. https://lnkd.in/ezqkjJEU

An unexpected side effect of inflation? Emergencies cost more! Make sure your emergency fund is robust enough to cover any increases in your cost of living. If you find yourself unemployed or if you need to suddenly repair a household appliance...the cost today may be significantly higher than when you first started setting money aside for these types of occurences. Taking a closer look at your emergency fund and updating it now could save you money AND headaches in the year ahead.

Our members are making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardship, and a recent report from The McKell Institute provides the data to back it up. The ‘Immediate Aid, Measurable Impact’ report examined the effectiveness of our emergency relief programs, revealing that in 2023, over 95,000 people were supported. The findings are compelling: ~ More than 80% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction with the support they recieved. ~ Nearly 4 in 5 reported that the aid helped them progress towards stability and self-sufficiency. ~ 89% of respondents felt that receiving support reduced their stress and improved their overall well-being. This report highlights the vital role our services play in early intervention, especially during times of financial strain. We are proud to be a lifeline for those in need and grateful to our members for their dedication. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTGewGSd

Maryland's Department of Human Services is making some changes to their energy assistance programs this year: First, anyone receiving benefits from SNAP, SSI, TANF, Means-Tested Veterans Affairs will automatically be eligible to receive energy assistance (this is known as categorical eligibility). DHS plans to “strategically target benefits to households with the greatest home heating and cooling needs.” Eligibility for all assistance programs will be 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For FY25, households “should expect to receive a decreased benefit in energy assistance grants compared to what was previously awarded. Please note that these changes were not made by the utility companies, such as Delmarva Power. The changes were not made by organizations (like SHORE UP) that administer the energy assistance programs. The changes were made by the Maryland Department of Human Services, the government entity which funds these programs. If you need assistance with household budgeting to help prepare for the reduced energy benefit amount, SHORE UP provides financial counseling services that includes household budgeting and credit repair. For more information about these services, call 410-749-1142, extension 1061. #CommunityAction #energyassistance #helpingpeoplechanginglives #financialcounseling #householdbudget #creditrepair #wicomicocounty #somersetcountymd #worcestercountymd

The US Government Accountability Office has released a new report that highlights how much money states and localities have spent from their American Rescue Plan allocations. As of March 31, 2024: - States reported spending $117.3 billion, or 60% of their awards. - Localities reported spending $75.8 billion, or 60% of their awards. - The largest category of spending was for revenue lost due to the pandemic—$53.2 billion for states and $51.5 billion for localities. With allocation deadlines quickly approaching, we have some tips for how to make the most of remaining American Rescue Plan funds for children and youth: https://lnkd.in/gyiKw6r5

It’s tough to see monarchs like King Charles getting millions of pounds more when the number of children living in poverty in the UK has increased to 4.3 million. King Charles should not get a 53% pay increase, funded by taxpayers, when it could be used for vital public services or lifting children out of poverty. It doesn’t matter what your opinion of the royals is, during times of economic crisis taxpayer funds should go towards public services like our NHS and tackling the rising costs of food and housing, not towards boosting the royal family’s coffers to the tune of millions. This hypocrisy is not acceptable. https://lnkd.in/efP68ZUB

Well written 

Advancing Mississippi forward means informing all public of upcoming appropriations that may impact them. Senate Bill 3016 was proposed to establish a disaster reserve fund related to disaster assistance. A substantial sum was allocated to public assistance programs as well as individual and family grants, even mitigation. ...Helping MS be in the know... #SenateBill #PublicPolicy #Research #Awareness

Don't leave your loved ones with the burden of your final expenses. Take the time to inform them about your plans and make sure they have access to funds for your funeral or memorial service. Understand the costs associated with final expenses and make the necessary preparations. Find out more in our Final Expenses Planning Scorecard: https://lnkd.in/erJQtagY