Thousands of households to get £100 automatic payment ‘back in pockets’ to help with energy costs – are you one of them?

THOUSANDS of households are set to get a £100 automatic payment to help with the rising energy costs.

More than 16,500 homes will likely get the cash back in an attempt to help them relieve the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.

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The money is available for those living in London‘s Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.

You will be able to apply through the council’s website from midday on March 2.

Each household is only eligible for one payment of £100 each.

Those eligible are anyone getting Council Tax relief, on a Housing Benefit and households in receipt of the housing costs element of Universal Credit. 

Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for finance, customer delivery and net zero said: “Inflation and energy costs have fallen in the last year, but we know many families are still feeling the pinch due to cost-of-living pressures.

“This £100 payment is money back in the pockets of those who need it most.

“Like many local councils, we have difficult decisions ahead in our budget plans, but we have made a commitment to become a fairer borough and by targeting support in this way we can make sure it is directed to those on the lowest incomes, where it can make the biggest difference.”

While this funding does not come as part of the Housing Support Fund, it is still on offer across the country.

The support is dished from a pot worth £842million by the Department for Work and Pensions.

What you can get depends on where you live but the cash could be as a direct cash transfer or shopping vouchers.

Amounts vary and it is up to the local council as to how the money is distributed.

The fund is usually given out based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.

It’s designed to help the most hard-up families struggling with the cost of living.

But what is the Household Support Fund, and how do you apply for the help? Below we explain all you need to know.

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.

Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £842million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.

It was then extended for a second time in the Spring Budget and for a third time in November to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.

The DWP has confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.

The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.

But you may be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or to cover costs of your weekly grocery shop.

If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.

And, you do not need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.

Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.

Thousands of households in East Surrey are eligible for up to £350 while those living in Dudley could get up to £275.

Buckinghamshire Council have also extended their support after receiving £4.8million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

For example, those living in West Devon received up to £400.

How do you apply?

To get the help, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.

To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk