THOUSANDS of households struggling throughout the final stretch of winter could get free cash help towards essential bills.
The money is part of the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is a scheme run by the government – but it’s due to end soon.
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The scheme began back in October 2021 and is scheduled to run up until March 31, which is roughly two weeks away.
But some councils will be closing curtains sooner than others.
In total, a £500million pot has been dished out to local councils across the country in order to help vulnerable residents with living costs.
It’s up to each authority how they distribute their funding, but many have opted for help in the form of supermarket, fuel and energy vouchers, and one-off payments.
It comes as the cost of living crisis trundles on, forcing many to change their way of living to accustom for spiralling prices – some even had to choose between heating and eating.
Just last month, the Office for National Statistics announced inflation has soared to 5.5% – and with the energy price cap rising next month, some Brits are set to be even worse off.
So vulnerable residents are urged to apply for the scheme immediately to ensure they can grab all available support.
To find your responsible authority, you can use the government’s local council checker tool.
Which schemes are ending earlier?
Though all help is set to cease by the end of this month, some councils have sooner deadlines for applications than others.
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To be certain you don’t miss a cut off, it’s best to contact your local authority and ask for its deadline.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council – This week
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council informed The Sun that its application cut-off is mid March – and its website states supermarket vouchers are available until March 18.
The council has chosen organisations like Citizens Advice to identify and refer residents who may be eligible for a voucher.
If you haven’t been contacted already, it’s best to reach out to them directly or contact your local Citizens Advice office by tomorrow latest.
In total, the council has been allocated £382,000 as part of the HSF, and it has chosen to provide £100 supermarket vouchers to eligible households.
You may be eligible if you are financially struggling due to any of the following:
- The impact of the pandemic;
- Changes to your Universal Credit;
- Substantial debts;
- On a low income, or more.
Runnymede Borough Council – March 25
Residents of Runnymede have an expansive list of support to choose from – and they can apply for more than one type too, but they have to do so by March 25 when applications close.
Runnymede Borough Council is awarding up to £800 per household.
How the funding is broken down is listed on the council’s website in a helpful table that outlines what is on offer and to who.
For example, money towards food bills is up for grabs, but the amount will differ depending whether the household has children or not.
Those with kids can get £80 payments for food, and those without get £40 payments.
It’s also offering up to £500 towards repair costs for white goods such as boilers, fridges, freezers and ovens, as well as £800 to help with costs like rent arrears or council tax.
Sutton Council – March 27
£1.1million has been given to Sutton Council to support their local residents as part of the scheme.
With it, the council is giving out BACS payments of £150 to hard-up Brits who can’t keep up with living costs.
Some households have been automatically identified for the help – but you can still apply for the cash if you haven’t been contacted.
It will be accepting applications until March 27, which is next Sunday.
You’ll first need to register your interest in the funding, and later fill out an eligibility and needs assessment.
Leicestershire County Council – March 29
Leicestershire County Council was awarded £1.5million to help struggling locals.
However, Brits living in this area can’t make a direct claim for the cash, they instead have to be referred by a professional support worker or agency.
This referral has to be made by March 29, and those successful will be in receipt of vouchers to help with essential costs such as gas, electricity and water bills.
Some of the eligibility criteria outlined on their website includes:
- Vulnerable families with or without children;
- Clinically extremely vulnerable people;
- Individuals on: Universal Credit; jobseeker’s allowance; child tax credit (provided you’re not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190); and more.
The full list of eligibility is on the council’s webpage.
In other news, here’s all the financial changes coming this month.
According to this benefits expert, you could be missing out on £1,000s in free cash support.
The Sun’s Squeeze Team are on hand to help Brits with financial crises and could save you hundreds.
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