THOUSANDS of households can get up to £150 free cash for grocery support, check if you’re eligible.
The help comes as part of the latest round of Household Support Fund which is worth £842million.
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Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
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.
It was due to end in March this year but was extended until April 2024 meaning households can get more support.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
For example, residents living in Dorset will be able to apply for £150 in vouchers to go towards grocery costs.
The next round of funding will open from Wednesday May 3 and households will be able to apply from then.
You’ll qualify if you have:
- an annual household net income of less than £30,000 and
- savings of less than £16,000 and
- not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last 6 months
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But funds are limited so households will need to be quick if they think they’re eligible.
What other help is on offer?
If you live in Dorset and don’t meet the criteria for the Resident Support Fund, there is other help on offer.
Millions of households are in line for cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment is being made to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, from today (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.
You should check if you are entitled to any benefits that qualify you for the cost of living payments.
Some charities have benefits calculators that will give you a rough estimate of what you could be in line for. That includes:
- Turn2Us
- Policy in Practice
- EntitledTo
Remember though, these calculators offer estimates of what you could receive, and aren’t 100% accurate.
But they do serve to remind you of what extra help you could be entitled to.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
