THOUSANDS of cash-strapped households could get up to £60 FREE cash – but you need to act fast to get the help.
The payments come as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF), a government funded scheme that was launched in October 2021.
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Each local authority has received its own portion of the £500million pot from the government, which needs to be used to help vulnerable residents with essential costs.
The funding each council receives is dependent on the size and need of the area – which means the speed at which the money runs out will vary across different areas.
For example, East Riding of Yorkshire, Elmbridge, and Nottingham councils are no longer accepting applications from residents as their portion of the funding as been exhausted already.
That’s despite the official deadline for the scheme ending is not until March 31 in many areas.
In some cases, payments are made automatically to residents who receive means-tested benefits, so there’s no need to do anything.
But others need to make applications for the support directly to their relevant council.
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To find which authority is responsible for your application, you can use the government’s local council checker tool by inputting your postcode.
While the scheme is set to end March 31, some authorities have set an earlier deadline for applications – so it’s vital to check on the rules for your area.
People living in Ealing or Herefordshire need to apply immediately if they haven’t done so, as both councils have imminent deadlines.
North Yorkshire residents were previously given a February deadline, but the council has since extended this to March 29.
How to apply for the Herefordshire HSF
Herefordshire has been allocated over £1million for its HSF and is dishing out one-off £60 payments to residents in the area.
The money is intended to help hard-up families with the cost of living crisis, and will go towards essentials such as gas and food bills.
Not everybody can apply, though.
To be eligible you need to be living in Herefordshire, on a low income and in receipt of Universal Credit.
To apply, you’ll need to complete a short online form outlining your circumstances and verifying your identity.
The final deadline is February 28.
After this, applications will not be processed.
But it’s best to act sooner rather than later, in case the funding runs out sooner.
How to apply for the Ealing HSF
A total of £2.6million has been allocated to Ealing Council and it’s using the money to provide £25 supermarket vouchers.
The distribution date of the vouchers is February 22, so check you meet the criteria to qualify for the free money.
Ealing council told The Sun that the following Ealing residents are eligible:
- Children attending Ealing schools eligible for free school meals due to low income;
- Care leavers;
- Families in receipt of council tax reduction and/or housing benefits with children under five.
The vouchers are being issued periodically, prior to school holidays.
If you believe you match the criteria and haven’t automatically received this support, you will need to contact the authority immediately to prevent you losing out on this round of vouchers.
For residents in different areas, you may still be able to claim help for the HSF in your local area, as some are taking applications until March 31.
In other news, millions of Brits with smart meters may be hit by ‘surge pricing’, affecting their energy bills.
The energy crisis is forcing some households to skip meals as they can’t afford all their bills.
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