Thousands could get extra cost of living help worth up to £150 – check if you’re eligible
THOUSANDS of hard-up households have weeks left to check if they’re eligible for up to £150 in free cash.
The support comes via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421million.
The pot of money from the Government has been shared between local councils.
But each local authority decides how to allocate their portion of the fund so what you will get depends on where you live.
In most cases, the help is given to households on benefits or a low income.
The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
For some districts, you’ll need to act now as the deadline to apply or redeem your cash is this month.
For example, residents in the Portsmouth council area have until March 31 to apply
The council is offering three schemes for people who fall within certain circumstances.
Depending on your situation determines what you’ll get.
Portsmouth is offering three different types of support.
For example, families with children could get a £70 supermarket voucher.
They can get one voucher per child to spend on food and household essentials.
If you think you may be eligible, you can apply online on the council’s website.
The scheme is open now and households have until March 31 to apply.
But don’t worry if you don’t have children, there is still support you can access, including a £120 cost of living payment.
You could be entitled to the cash if:
- You receive housing benefit and no other means-tested income benefit.
- You get universal credit or pension credit from a claim that started on September 26 2022 or later.
For people under pension age, who get disability living allowance or personal independence payments, there is £160 up for grabs.
Applications for these payments aren’t open yet, but make sure to keep an eye out on the council’s website for more information.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Portsmouth?
Yes, even if you don’t live in Harrow, you should still be able to get help.
But what you can get and who is eligible is a bit of a postcode lottery as each council is deciding how to distribute their portion of the HSF.
In some areas, councils have run out of money to give to eligible households too.
How the help is being distributed depends on where you live.
Some councils are handing out vouchers to be used to help people pay for energy bills, food and other everyday essentials.
Whereas in other areas, local authorities are transferring money directly into bank accounts.
You might have a deadline to apply for any help in your area – you should check with your council if you’re not sure.
Right now, Runnymede Council is paying hard-up households up to £800.
While those in Middlesborough, households can get a supermarket voucher or energy voucher worth up to £100 – but they only have until March 31 to apply.
Bromley Council is offering thousands of struggling households £200 energy bill vouchers.
Plus, thousands of residents in North Yorkshire are also due electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk