THOUSANDS of British households have just weeks left to secure a £450 direct payment or miss out for good.
Cash-strapped families can claim the money via the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
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Councils across the country are giving away payments to eligible Brits struggling with money.
The cash is dished out from a pot of £842million in help by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Each council is allocated a portion of the money to distribute to cash-strapped families who make less than £50,000.
Available grants vary depending on location.
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Some local authorities are making bank transfers while others are offering help in the way of food or utility bill vouchers.
Brits living in North Yorkshire can get up to £450 from this month as part of the HSF.
The money is for food, energy bills and other essential household items.
Residents can also get £110 to pay their council tax bills through the means-tested council tax reduction scheme.
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But Brits are urged to rush as they only have until February 20, 2024 to apply.
It’ll be a first come first serve basis as the scheme will close once all of the money has gone.
That means you’ll need to be quick if you want to get the support.
There are conditions though – families must be in need of “urgent financial assistance and not have enough income or savings to meet the eligible costs the scheme can help with”.
The council said it will accept applications from, or on behalf of, people who are in financial difficulties.
But they must be over the age of 16 and live in North Yorkshire.
The council says it will try to support as many residents as it can but it aims to provide support to those who need help the most, including:
- With dependent children
- With disability or health problems
- With at least one person who is receiving their state pension.
- Lone parents
- Who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless including those living in temporary accommodation
- Survivors of domestic abuse
- Leaving care or hospital
- Facing an emergency crisis such as, a recent fire or flood
However, it’ll be a first come first serve basis as the scheme will close once all of the money has gone.
That means you’ll need to be quick if you want to get the support.
According to the council’s website, applicants will be notified once a decision has been made.
Eligible residents, working-age households who get council tax support, should have received an email from the council.
If your application is approved, you will receive a payment by bank transfer to your nominated bank account 10 working days after the date your claim.
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You can apply online via the council’s website or give them a call during office hours.
It comes as thousands of households in in the borough of Guildford were told they get up to £400 to their bank accounts.
