THOUSANDS can get hundreds of pounds worth of direct payments to help with the cost of living.
The cash support comes through the Household Support Fund, worth £842million.
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You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help, but you don’t necessarily need to be claiming DWP benefits like Universal Credit to claim the cash.
What you can get depends on where you live and what eligibility requirements are set by your local authority.
For example, thousands of residents in Dudley can get free cash paid directly to their bank accounts to help with the cost of living.
Eligible households can get up to £500 depending on their circumstances.
But eligible households will need to be quick to apply for the support when applications open this month to ensure that they don’t miss out on the free cash.
Who’s eligible for the support?
You can make an application if you live in the Tameside Metropolitan Borough and are not eligible to receive cost of living payments made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Households that qualify will need to either:
- Confirm an entitlement to free school meals or free prescriptions
- Confirm receipt of benefits including income-related benefits, tax credits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance and Universal Credit
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Households who don’t receive the above benefits can still qualify as long as their weekly income is below £271.80.
How much can I get?
Depending on your circumstances you could get up to £500 in free cash.
Requests can be made for:
- Food help: Limited to £35 per person in each household
- Energy and water bill help: Support with energy bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting – limited to £200 per household.
- Essentials linked to energy and water: Assistance can be provided for but not limited to, sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, and purchase of white goods – limited to £50 per person in each household.
Do I need to apply for the support?
You must apply to the scheme when applications open to get the free cash.
In order for an application to be considered, Tameside Council requires residents to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria.
It anticipates that to do this, you will need to provide:
- Evidence to confirm residence in Tameside, such as a Council tax reference or bill.
- Proof of household income level, i.e. payslips, bank statements and universal credit payment breakdown.
- A valid bank statement showing the account holder’s name, address, sort code and account number to allow for payment to be made via BACS. This must be no more than 3 months old.
All applicants will be required to book an appointment to discuss the support available when applications open on the council’s website later this month.
What if I don’t live in Dudley?
Each council runs its own Household Support Scheme.
Local authorities are given a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
Local authorities have some autonomy on how they use the Fund to reach the vulnerable people in their communities.
Eligibility requirements will vary depending on where you live – so check directly with your council if you could get the cash help.
The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
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 has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment was issued to millions with disabilities.
Plus, 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 later this year.
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
- 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.
