FAMILIES struggling to cope with rising costs this winter could get extra help – but you need to apply now.
Thousands of households may be eligible for cash grants or vouchers under the government’s new £500million Household Support Fund.
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Local councils are offering help to families who need it – but what you can get depends on where you live.
Households will need to apply for the help through their council, as local authorities are in charge of distributing their own funds.
Some councils are offering one-off cash grants, while others are doling out vouchers to help households with their food shop or energy bills.
It’s welcome relief to those families battling the cost of living crisis, which has left as estimated one in 10 households struggling to get by, and as UK inflation soars to 5.1%.
It is hoped the scheme will particularly help those who have suffered since the end of the Universal Credit uplift, which wiped £20 a week off of payments.
The help you can get through the Household Support Fund depends on who your council is and your individual circumstances.
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Councils decide on a case-by-case basis what help is given and in what form.
The Sun has spotted that some families could get up to £125 in vouchers to help them buy food and household essentials in time for Christmas.
Herefordshire Council is accepting applications for a one-off £60 payment to help families in the area.
It has been allocated more than £1million by the government under the Household Support Fund, and the money must be allocated by March 31, 2022.
To qualify for the support, you’ll need to live in Herefordshire.
The council is offering single payments of £60 per household to help cover the essentials this Christmas including gas and food.
In particular, the scheme aims to protect vulnerable families most likely to struggle through the winter months, and at least 50% of Herefordshire’s HSF is to go to households with children.
The deadline for applications to Herefordshire Council is February 28, 2022.
However, households are urged to apply as early as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.
For people in other areas the deadline may be sooner, with many schemes set to close imminently.
To apply, you need to complete an online form to verify your identity.
You’ll need to enter your date of birth and national insurance number along with your bank details for payment.
To check when your council’s deadline is for this, just visit their website and search for Household Support Fund.
You can find who your local council is by using the gov.uk council checker tool.
It’s definitely worth checking, as we’ve spotted plenty of local authorities offering help.
Residents of West Northamptonshire can get help with their energy bills worth up to £120.
Meanwhile, those living in Manchester could get up to £100 in free cash in time for Christmas.
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