HOUSEHOLDS could get an extra income boost if they’re struggling financially within the next few weeks.
The support comes as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is a government grant designed to help residents on low income.
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Councils across England are dipping into a £842million cash pot put towards helping struggling households.
Each area will decide what the cash is used for and who gets it.
That means eligibility is different for each area, but the money is normally given to households on low incomes to help pay for food, energy bills and other essential items.
If you think you could be eligible for support, it’s best to contact your local council directly to see what they offer.
The best way to find out what council area you fall under is by using the government’s council locator found on its website.
You’ll just need to pop in your postcode.
Keep in mind some HSF schemes are automatic – so you’ll receive the cash without needing to do anything if you’re eligible – but you’ll need to apply on the council website in other cases.
If this is you, make sure you have important information to hand when submitting a form.
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This includes your Council Tax reference number, your National Insurance number and a recent bank statement no older than three months.
Make sure it’s the same account your household bills come out of.
We’ve listed four key areas that are dishing out cash within weeks.
Have a look below and see if you’re due extra money.
Wolverhampton
Residents of Wolverhampton Council can claim up to £170 to go towards food and fuel costs.
If you apply now and you’re successful, the money could arrive within seven to 10 working days.
You’ll need to show you’re under some level of financial difficulty – whether you’re receiving benefits or can prove your income is low.
You’ll also be eligible if you’re a tenant at the following:
- Wolverhampton Homes
- Dovecotes TMO
- Bushbury Hill EMB
- New Park Village TMC
If you are, get in contact first – each organisation has their own way for you to submit a form.
If this doesn’t apply, you’ll need to submit an application through the GrantApproval website.
If you apply for money towards food bills, you could get £25 if you’re a single adult or £50 if you’re a couple, and then an extra £15 per child.
For energy bills it’s £40 for a single adult, £60 for a couple and another £15 per child as well.
So if you’re a family of four claiming cash for both food and fuel support, you could get up to £170.
Torridge
Residents living in Torridge can get thousands of pounds in support under the HSF scheme.
There isn’t a set limited on how much people can get, but struggling households could get anywhere between £600 and £1,000.
The amount depends on the individual’s circumstances.
The money will be paid direct into bank accounts and will be paid within 14 working days of application.
However, if for some reason the money cannot be transferred to a bank account, then the council will give the support in vouchers instead.
To get the help, you’ll need to head to the Torridge Council website and search “household support fund”.
You can then fill in an application form and you’ll hear back from the council on whether it was successful.
Burnley
Burnley is offering its residents Post Office vouchers worth up to £180 to go towards food, water and energy bills.
You’ll get vouchers worth £180 if you have not previously received any government cost of living payments.
Those who have received these payments will only be eligible for vouchers worth £90.
The cash will be automatically dished out – so you don’t need to do anything – and will hit bank accounts within six weeks.
If you are to receive vouchers, a letter will arrive through the mail to inform you.
The vouchers will then feature a barcode to scan, and you can choose how you want to spend the money.
However, in August, there will be an application form to fill out instead on the Burnley Council website.
You can fill this in if you have under £4,000 in savings and you have not received the HSF before.
Wokingham
Residents in Wokingham can get up to £100 in support from their local council.
Eligible households can get £100 in cash vouchers to go towards food, energy, fuel and other essential costs.
We’ve asked who is eligible and will update the piece once we know more.
But the Wokingham Council website said the help is “open to anyone struggling with rising cost of living as well as people in receipt of benefits”.
You’ll usually need to prove that you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
If you applied for the previous round of funding then you can still apply again.
If you live in Wokingham and qualify, you can apply by either:
- Calling Citizens Advice Wokingham One Front Door on 0808 278 7958
- Apply on Citizens Advice Wokingham website
- Call Age UK Berkshire on (0118) 959 4242
- Email Age UK Berkshire at [email protected].
Applicants have until September 2023 to apply but it’s best to get in quick as the funding is limited and once it’s gone it’s gone.
Those who apply for the School Meals Grant – which is another option – will receive £15 a week over the summer holiday to help cover the costs of their kids meals.
