HOUSEHOLDS struggling with the cost of living crisis could claim an emergency cash payout worth £900 – here’s how.
The support has been extended by the London Council of Hammersmith and Fulham through its Household Support Fund.
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Under this government scheme, local councils across the UK have been provided with a pot of cash to help struggling residents living in their area.
The help usually comes in the form of cash payouts, supermarket vouchers, and support with energy bills.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has revealed it will be making cash payouts this winter to some 2,000 residents living in the area who are on Housing Benefit or Council Tax support.
However, residents eligible for the Government cost of living crisis payment will not be able to benefit from this scheme.
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Struggling residents can claim up to £900 across three different payouts until March 2024 when the scheme ends.
The amount they receive will depend on their current circumstances and the size of their household.
Alongside this, a further 500 one-off payments will also be made to young care leavers living in the area – but the amount of these payments is not confirmed yet.
The council, however, will also be providing emergency payouts under “Crisis Prevention Payment” to families who do not have enough money to buy basics such as food, gas, and electricity.
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According to the council’s website, these payments will be made to those who are in severe financial hardship or could be at risk of slipping into crisis without support, and those who need immediate help and no other means to source financial help.
To be able to get the crisis payout, you must:
- be a resident of Hammersmith and Fulham
- be 18 years of age or older or 16 and be responsible for younger children
- be responsible for council tax or living independently and paying rent have less than £1,000 in total savings at the time you apply
- not have enough money for your short-term essential living expenses, due to an unexpected financial crisis, disaster or emergency.
The council stated that one does not have to be on government benefits to apply, and people with temporary immigration status are also eligible to claim the support.
It further defined priority groups for this scheme:
- households with Disabled adults or children, who are struggling with higher utility bills
- Disabled and long-term ill residents claiming DLA, PIP or Incapacity Benefit
- unpaid carers (adults or children)
- care experienced young people
- pensioners
- large families with children under 5 years old
- single parents
- single-person households
- single-person households (with or without dependents) commonly contacting the council’s cost-of-living crisis team
- individuals fleeing domestic violence or facing other community safety issues.
To apply for the scheme, one will have to provide house address, personal circumstances, income, and health.
It is also important to note that one will have to provide sufficient evidence to back their application – and failing to do so within 14 days could lead to refusal.
If you think you might be eligible, you can make your application through the Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s website here.
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Once accepted, the money will be directly transferred to your bank account.
