STRUGGLING households can apply for up to £120 free cash for help towards living costs and school holidays.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
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The scheme was due to end in March this year but has now been extended until April 2024.
What you could get will depend on what each council is offering.
The grants on offer vary by location because councils get a different amount of funding depending on the size of their catchment area, population, and need.
You’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
For example, those living in Derby can apply for free cash now.
Eligible households will get either:
- £80 for a single person
- £100 for a couple with no children
- £120 for a household with children under 18
On top of that families with children who get free school meals (or may be on a low income) could also qualify for an extra £15 per child.
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This extra help will be sent as vouchers and can be redeemed at the following supermarkets:
- Aldi
- Asda
- Farmfoods
- Iceland
- Marks and Spencer
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
- Waitrose
They will be provided during school holidays such as May half term.
To be eligible for Derby’s Household Support Fund you’ll need to be on low-income and receiving certain benefits.
You can apply online via the derby.gov.uk website and payments will be made within 10 working days from application.
The Sun has contacted Derby Council for more information including how many people qualify – we’ll updated the piece as soon as we know more.
How do I apply for the Household Support Fund?
Some households will be notified that they can apply for cash help and others will receive the cash automatically.
Again, your council will set out whether or not you need to apply for the free cash.
Those who live in Torbay and think they’re eligible for the Household Support Fund will need to apply by filling in an online form.
You can locate the form on Torbay Council’s website.
What if I don’t live in Derby?
Your local council will likely have its own version of the scheme going and you should get in contact with them to find out more.
For example, thousands of residents in Cornwall can get £160 in support.
Those who apply will get two payments of £80 directly into their bank accounts.
Those living in Medway in Kent, can apply for up to £210 in support.
Eligible households can get vouchers for food costs and energy bills.
Check with your local council to see what support is on offer.
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 is currently being paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, as of April 25.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners.
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
If you are eligible for the payment, it will be made this summer.
Meanwhile, 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]
