THOUSANDS of households could be in line for an extra £90 for food and energy bills.
The help comes as part of the Household Support Fund – a grant that supports those on low income.
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Councils across England are dipping into a £421million 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.
Now, Wolverhampton Council has announced it’s offering residents up to £90.
Who’s eligible?
You’ll need to show you’re on some level of low income when you apply for the grant.
It’ll help if you receive certain benefits, or perhaps if you were eligible for the government cost of living payment.
You should have all of that information to hand when you apply.
But do note you can only submit one application per household.
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You can either apply for money put towards food support or energy bills.
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 couple with two kids getting support for energy bills, that would amount to £90.
Keep in mind how much money you receive will depend on your circumstances, though.
Wolverhampton says it will also consider supporting residents with money towards essential items, like household appliances.
But since this isn’t priority, you should contact the council on 01902 290241 for help with that or other needs.
How do I apply?
Check if you’re a tenant at one of the following first:
- Wolverhampton Homes
- Dovecotes TMO
- Bushbury Hill EMB
- New Park Village TMC
If you are, you’ll need to contact them first. They’re in touch with the scheme and will take the relevant next steps with you.
If not, you’ll need to apply on the GrantApproval website.
To do this, you’ll need your Council Tax reference number to hand and a bank statement from within the past three months.
Make sure it’s the same account your household bills come out of.
Keep in mind it may take seven to 10 working days to hear a response, and you may be asked for further information.
If this happens, make sure to reply within five working days otherwise your application could be shut.
If your application is successful, it’ll take roughly a week for the payment to come through.
What if I don’t live in Wolverhampton?
If you don’t live in Wolverhampton you could be in line for help through your local council.
You should check on your council’s website, or give them a call to find out if you’re eligible.
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 might have to be quick if you want help though.
While the deadline for councils to hand out the latest tranche of HSF cash support is March 31, 2023, it’s done on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Eligibility for the fund depends on where you live, although it’s usually given to people on low incomes or benefits.
So if you’re receiving Universal Credit for example you might be able to apply.
In Guildford, for example, residents could get up to £400 to help out with the cost of living.
Bradford Council residents are being offered £65 directly into their accounts – but only if they receive a council tax reduction.
And Luton claimants can get up to £500 for food and fuel.
