THOUSANDS of households will automatically receive free energy bill vouchers to help pay for spiralling bills.
The support is being dished out under the Household Support Fund, which gives out financial help to those struggling with the cost of living crisis.
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The scheme was rolled out last October and £1.5billion has been pumped into the fund since it launched.
Councils get a slice of the funding available, which they then dish out to households in need.
As authorities decide on what sort of help is available and who is eligible, what you can get varies depending on where you live.
But it can come in the form of free cash grants, school meals vouchers, or money for essentials such as sanitary products or household items including fridges, freezers and ovens.
Hard-up households who live in Warwickshire County Council’s district area will receive free energy bill vouchers automatically if they are eligible.
Anyone entitled to pension credit and benefits that qualify them for free school meals will get the vouchers automatically.
They will receive the help by late summer.
Warwickshire County Council does not say how much you can get in free vouchers, but we’ve asked for more information and we will update you when we know more.
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You can still get the help even if you don’t qualify to get it automatically – but you’ll need to apply.
You will need to hit the following eligibility criteria to get the help:
- you have no other access to funds or enough resources to pay for food or energy
- your situation poses a serious health or safety risk to you or your immediate family
- you have been a resident of Warwickshire for the last six months or three of the last five years
You’ll need to have some documents handy, including evidence of your financial situation.
You can call the council on 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359182 to make a claim or visit its website.
What if I don’t live around there?
Warwickshire County Council is not the only council offering energy help to struggling households.
Hillingdon Council is offering pensioners a one-off payment for utility bills worth £130.
While Leicestershire County Council is giving out up to £49 in energy vouchers to low-income households.
To find out what you can get under the Household Support Fund, you’ll need to know who your local council is.
You can check this by using the gov.uk council finder tool.
If you’re not eligible for the HSF but still require help, there are other support packages you can take advantage of.
For example, big name energy providers have stepped in to help, offering grants that hard-up bill payers can take advantage of.
Charities and organisations may also be able to help, on top of the providers that offer their own grants.
If you are worried about the cost of living or debt, then a number of charities may also be able to offer free advice or help:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Step Change – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
