THOUSANDS of households have just weeks left to apply for a free £250 direct bank payment to help with the cost of living.
Islington Council, in London, has launched a £1million hardship fund for struggling residents.
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The payments are being made to two groups, totalling 3,800 households.
The first is made up of more than 1,300 households on benefits that have not already received any cost of living payments, including tenants in council housing and those privately renting.
These households have already been identified by Islington Council and the £250 will be paid directly to them.
The second group is working households with an income that only just lifts them out of any benefit entitlement or financial support.
In total, 2,500 grants are available to anyone that meets this criteria, but you have to apply for the help.
Both groups have to meet the same eligibility criteria to qualify for the payments. This includes:
- being employed but living in a household with a total annual income of less than £50,000 before tax
- having total household savings of less than £5,000
The households that need to apply for the £250 grant have until April 30.
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After this date, the scheme will close, or when the 2,500 grants have been allocated.
Who is eligible and how do I apply?
To be considered for one of the £250 grants, there’s a list of criteria you have to hit. You must:
- live in Islington as your main and permanent address
- pay rent
- not be receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
- be in work
- have total combined household earnings of less than £50,000 gross per year
- have total combined household savings of less than £5,000
- not be in full time education
- not have already received an award of £250 from the Islington Hardship Fund
If you are eligible, you’ll need to provide evidence to back up your eligibility.
This includes proof of the rent you pay, a tenancy agreement or a letter from the person you pay rent to.
You will also have to supply proof of your savings, your most recent bank statement and proof of earnings via a payslip or P60.
You can apply directly on Islington Council’s website.
Once you have, the council will let you know if you are eligible for the £250 payment via email or post.
Anyone who is eligible will receive the payment as a direct bank transfer.
Anyone struggling with their application can call 0207 527 8222 or email [email protected].
What other help is there?
If you don’t live in Islington, there is other help on offer.
The government recently extended the Household Support Fund until March 31, 2024.
The fund is a central pot of money that has been shared among councils in England.
They then decide how and who to distribute their allotment to, although help is usually offered to those on benefits or low incomes.
The money comes in different forms – some people receive vouchers while others receive the cash via bank transfer.
Councils have started opening applications for the latest tranche of the fund so you should check with your local authority what you might be entitled to.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the government’s locator tool on its website.
On top of this, the government is handing out cost of living payments to millions of households this year and into 2024.
The payments are worth £900, £300 and £150, totalling £1,350.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to all three.
The £900 payment has been split into three instalments worth £301, £300 and £299.
The first instalment is due to be paid to over eight million households within weeks.
The second and third instalments will be made for most people this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.
Millions of pensioners will receive the £300 cost of living payment too, while those with disabilities will get a £150 payment.
