HOUSEHOLDS are being urged to look out for a letter explaining how they can get £200 in free cash.
The help comes via the latest tranche of the Household Support Fund which is worth £421million.
1
The fund was set up by the government and has been shared between local councils in England.
But not every local authority has been given the same share and is distributing the money in different ways.
Ashford Borough Council is using its share of the fund to make bank transfers to eligible households worth £200.
The money is being targeted at those who get housing benefit but missed out on one of the cost of living payments.
This includes the £650 payment, £150 payment for those with disabilities and the £300 pensioner cost of living payment.
It’s worth noting that the £200 payment will be made per housing benefit household.
Those eligible should have received or expect to receive a letter in the post dated January 11, 2023, explaining how and when payments will be made to them.
Ashford Borough Council isn’t the only authority sending out letters to households in line for free money.
Most read in Money
Residents in North Yorkshire should have started receiving letters in the post from last month about free £325 supermarket vouchers.
Meanwhile, Guildford Borough Council sent out letters to households in line for payments worth up to £400 before Christmas.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Ashford?
You can get help through the Household Support Fund if you don’t live in Ashford.
That’s because dozens of councils across England have been allocated a share of the fund.
But what you can get varies depending on where you live as the money hasn’t been paid out equally.
Some councils are issuing funds as direct bank transfers while others are giving out vouchers.
Eligibility criteria varies depending on the council area too, but usually help is given to those on benefits or a low income.
You should contact your council if you think you might be in line for help.
You can find your local council by using the government’s council locator tool found online.
Meanwhile, millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales should be in the process of receiving the £400 energy rebate.
The £400 payment has been split into six monthly instalments being made between October 2022 and March this year.
In most cases, the money is being applied as a discount to customers’ bills.
But if you are on a prepayment meter you have to redeem voucher which are sent to you.
In the Autumn Statement, chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed millions on benefits and Universal Credit will receive an extra one-off £900 cost of living payment too.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
