THOUSANDS of households can grab up to £150 to help cover household bills, food and clothing as the cost of living bites.
The extra support comes as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) initiative.
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The HSF was first rolled out in October 2021 with a £500million pot to help those struggling with the cost of living.
While the scheme was only meant to last until March 31, 2022, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a six month extension to the deadline in his Spring Statement.
Another £500million of funding has been dished out to local authorities and grants will be available until September 2022.
The money will come as a lifeline for families who are struggling after inflation soared to a 40-year high.
Can I claim free cash?
Councils get to decide who to give the cash to in their local area and how the money should be spent.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has announced it will be using its £1.15m share of the HSF pot to help pensioners and vulnerable families.
Not all residents can receive the support due to eligibility requirements, which can be viewed on the council’s website.
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Those in line for up to £150 include pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs.
Families who get Free School Meals will receive a welcome boost of £3 per weekday per pupil during the school holidays.
And care leavers living in their own accommodation could get up to £100.
Vulnerable families in need of subsistence support will receive a £50 grant.
Those vulnerable families who have no recourse to public funds and those placed in hotels by the Home Office can receive £100.
The council said there is no need for residents to apply for the fund and ir will get in touch directly with people if they are due a pay out.
What if I don’t live in Kensington and Chelsea?
Each council has been given a pot of HSF funding to help their local residents, which you could be eligible for.
Recent payouts include residents in Barnsley being offered £200 in vouchers to spend at supermarkets and shops including Aldi, Asda, Argos and Currys.
North Yorkshire residents were able to claim a £125 voucher to help pay for food and other essentials.
And parents in Brighton and Hove could get £105 to cover essentials over the school breaks this May and throughout the summer this year.
To find out what is on offer, you should speak directly with your local council, or visit its website for more details.
You can find details of your local council by using this tool.
If you find that you’re not eligible for the HSF but still need help, there are other types of support you can access.
Here are some contacts that can offer support:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Step Change – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
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