HOUSEHOLDS can get a free £200 cost of living payment if they’re quick.
The cost of living crisis has taken a toll on all of us, forcing many people to tighten their purse strings.
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However, those on a low-income or certain benefits could get free financial help from their local council.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
The money is provided by the Government which has distributed it among councils in England.
They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.
That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.
The type of support on offer varies as well – some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making bank transfers.
For example, if you live in Harrow, London, then you could get a £200 supermarket voucher for free.
The voucher can be used for food and other essential costs.
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To qualify, you must:
- Live in Harrow
- Have not received a cost-of-living payment from the Government in 2023
- Need support with meeting their day to day living expenses including food and utility bills
- Have not had a previous Household Support Fund payment
To apply, claimants should call Citizens Advice Harrow for free on 0808 250 5705.
Phone lines are open Monday & Tuesday 9:30am to 3:30pm & Thursday & Friday 9:30am to 1pm.
The scheme is open and residents can apply now.
But you’ll need to be quick as Harrow Council said the funding is limited – so once it’s gone it’s gone.
What if I don’t live in Harrow?
The best thing to do is contact your local council to see what help is on offer and if you have to take any action.
You can do this by using the Government’s locator tool found on its website.
But you might want to be quick as competition for the fund is fierce and once a council has depleted its share, there’s no more left.
That said, the Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since it was first launched in October 2021 so it might be extended again when the current batch closes, in March 2024.
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 and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners this month.
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
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 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.
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
- British Gas Energy Trust
- 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.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
