YOU could get hundreds of pounds of help with bills, even if you don’t qualify for the £650 many on Universal Credit or benefits are set to get.
We’ve rounded up key ways to get cash and support WITHOUT qualifying for the cost of living payment due next month.
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Half of a £650 cost of living payment will hit bank accounts from July 14 for those getting Universal Credit and some other benefits.
However, not everyone qualifies for this support, even if they’re tight on cash.
And with inflation on the rise there’s no better time to seek financial support from energy suppliers and other grants.
But worry not – here are our top ways to claim free cash or support when you don’t qualify for the £650 Universal Credit or benefits payment.
More cost of living payments
Every household in the UK will be given £400 to help cover spiralling energy bills, which are set to rise by hundreds of pounds more this winter.
Pensioners will get an extra £300 one-off payment during the coldest months, and six million people with disabilities will receive £150 in September.
Claim council tax rebate
You can get up to £150 back from the council to help pay your energy bills.
To meet the requirements, you’ll need to be paying council tax in bands A to D. You’ll only get the rebate if you’re the one paying for your household.
If you’re not sure which band you belong to, you can check it on the government website here. You’ll just need to pop in your post code.
You can also claim council tax rebate if you get a Council Tax Reduction, the Disabled Band Reduction or are subject to immigration controls.
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We recommend getting in touch with your local council for more – even if you can’t get rebate, you may still be entitled to other forms of help.
Energy bill help
Several suppliers offer energy bill help through hardship funds and give out grants worth as much as £1,000 and you don’t have to repay the cash.
The British Gas Energy Trust is one that helps people with financial advice, energy efficiency advice and measures.
Its £6million fund gives British Gas customers grants between £250 and £750 if they’re struggling with energy costs.
But there are also grants available for those who aren’t British Gas customers.
These schemes can lend up to £1,000.
You’ll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer and eligibility because how much you get can vary between them.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is available for struggling homeowners in each council area.
It’s now been extended until September with an extra £500million added to the pot last month.
The funding could include cash grants to pay bills or cover food costs – the help will depend on where you live.
For example, residents in Blackpool can get as much as £300, depending on their circumstances.
To find out what support is available in your area, contact your local council.
Water bill help
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that shave pounds off your bills.
Contact your supplier. Freebies include shower timers and buffalo bags, which save water with every flush. Check out savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
But schemes and grants are also available to help ease the pressure of soaring bills.
For example, Yorkshire Water have announced a a £115million bill relief package to help customers struggling to pay bills.
This can grant up to £200 towards any single household affected by the risen cost of living.
To be eligible for the grant, you’ll just need to show you’re earning low income with difficulty paying your water bills.
But make sure to check with your supplier on what help is available – it can differ depending on who you’re with. You can check who your supplier is by using a checker tool like this one.
And if you’re worried about falling behind on bills and you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
Are you getting all the benefits you’re entitled to? If you’re missing out and start claiming it could boost your income too.
You can check by using an online benefits calculator, which are offered by charities such as Turn2Us and EntitledTo.
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