THOUSANDS of cash-strapped Brits can claim a one-off £145 payment to help with rising living costs – but will need to act fast to bank the money.
The cost-of-living crisis has taken a toll on all of us, forcing many people to tighten their purse strings.
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But those on a low-income or certain benefits could get free financial help from their local council.
If you live within the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, you could get £145 free cash to go towards food and energy costs.
The council has teamed up with 18 charity partners to decide who is in need of the help.
They have already helped 2,821 residents through our partnership and distributed 36,350 free school meal vouchers to families since 2021.
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Much of this support has been targeted at those who have been struggling the most, including Care Leavers, the elderly, and families.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
The money is provided by the Government which has distributed it among councils in England.
They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.
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Applicants must also be in “severe financial need” and over 18.
You can get up to $25,000 in free cash if you apply before October 27 – but it only applies to certain people
Councillor Catherine del Campo, Cabinet member for adults, health and housing services, said: “Our partnership with the community has been vital in ensuring residents can access a wide range of cost of living support and has already helped so many people.
“We know the cost of living remains high and it’s really important that residents continue to reach out for support if they are struggling.
“The cost of living has impacted everyone, and people shouldn’t feel embarrassed about asking for help.
“There are lots of people willing to help and you won’t be judged whatever your circumstances.
“The partnership that we’ve created offers a sustainable source of support for residents which offers wraparound support to residents beyond government support.
“You can also arrange an appointment with our Financial Inclusion Team to ensure you’re claiming everything you might be entitled to, and check our ‘Here to Help’ webpages to explore wider cost of living support and advice around energy and water bills, rent, council tax, food, childcare, school meals, benefits and more.”
Meanwhile, Danielle Lane, community development officer at Abri housing association, said: “The partnership between the council and the different support groups has been exceptional.
“We’ve all been involved in setting up the process and collaborating to solve problems – this has made the process seamless and straightforward for all involved.
“The cost of living partnership is now well established and will continue to look at ways of supporting each other and residents through the continued cost of living crisis.
“Over the past year, we have supported over 200 customers in extreme need of help with heating and family essentials.”
What if my council isn’t listed?
While the latest phase of this DWP Household Support Fund is now fully distributed, the cost of living remains high, and local partners are committed to working together to help residents access support.
The government has recently announced Household Support Fund will be further extended, but allocations for councils and qualifying criteria are yet to be confirmed.
The best thing to do is contact your local council to see what help is on offer and if you have to take any action.
You can do this by using the Government’s locator tool found on its website.
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But you might want to be quick as competition for the fund is fierce and once a council has depleted its share, there’s no more left.
That said, the Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since it was first launched in October 2021 so it might be extended again when the current batch closes, in March 2024.
