HOUSEHOLDS can get £350 free cash paid straight into their bank accounts to help them grapple with food and energy bill costs.
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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However, those on a low income or certain benefits could get free financial help from their local council.
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.
That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases, help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.
The type of support on offer varies as well – some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making bank transfers.
For example, residents living in East Riding, Yorkshire can get £350 free cash.
You will be eligible for the two payments if:
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- you are in receipt of housing benefit and not eligible for the £900 cost of living payment
- you are a care leaver and responsible for council tax at your address.
The money will be paid in two installments – £150 by the end of July and £200 paid by the end of November.
It means eligible households can expect it on or before July 31 and November 30.
You do not need to apply for the fund – it’ll be paid automatically into your bank account if you qualify.
But it’s not just those living in Windsor & Maidenhead that can get access to free help.
Families in Durham can get £150 free cash to help them with food and other essential costs.
Parents will qualify if their children get free school meals or they do not get any of the cost of living support payments.
Recipients will get two vouchers of £75 and the first will be made within weeks.
The first batch of vouchers will be sent out in the weeks starting June 19 and June 26 for children in primary school and above.
Those living in North Somerset could get £120 in free vouchers or those with children could get even more.
Vouchers will be sent in two £60 payments with the first one landing in June and the second in November.
If you have two children then you could get double the amount – £240.
Residents living in the City of York council district can get up to £370.
The council is supplying successful applicants with two rounds of payments worth £185 each – one at the end of June, and one in November.
You’ll need to be a resident of the City of York Council to get this payment.
In Nottinghamshire, you can get up to £60 for energy bills plus £30 per person to go towards food and other essentials.
The money will be paid either by cash or voucher, depending on the circumstances.
Those eligible can apply online via the Nottingham Council website as of May 22 so if you apply now, you could get it before June is up.
What if my council isn’t listed?
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.
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.
What other help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners this month.
You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
Here’s a list of schemes open right now:
- British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- OVO Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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