THOUSANDS who missed out on cost of living payments can get up to £700 in free cash direct into their bank accounts.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund which is worth £842million.
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The central pot of money has come from Government and been shared between local councils in England.
They then decide how to allocated their share – that means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live.
But, in most cases, support is being offered to households on benefits or a low income.
Newcastle City Council is distributing its share of the Household Support Fund to residents on Housing Benefit who are not eligible for the Government’s £900 cost of living payment.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, the council will pay out between £400 and £700 in instalments across this year.
The Revenue and Benefits department has been contacting eligible households since the start of June.
All those who qualify for help will be contacted by the end of this month.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Newcastle?
Yes you can. But what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live.
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You may be paid in supermarket or energy vouchers, while other councils are handing out cash via direct bank transfers.
Eligibility criteria varies as well, but in most cases you’ll be in line for help if you’re on certain benefits or a low income.
The best thing to do is get in touch with your local council to see what help you might be able to get.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under you can use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
You just have to type in your postcode and it will redirect you to your council’s website.
Residents in East Riding, Yorkshire, can get free cash worth £350.
Meanwhile, families in Durham can get £150 free cash to help them with food and other essential costs.
What other help is coming?
If you’re not entitled to help via the Household Support Fund, millions are in line for 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, 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.
A £150 disability cost of living payment has already been paid to millions.
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 also 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].
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