Thousands of households can get up to £500 free cash within days – how to apply
THOUSANDS can claim up to £500 to help out with living costs – and you can get it within days.
The cash is for those living in the Torbay Council via the latest round of Household Support Fund (HSF)
Torbay Council has been granted an extra £2.4million in funding to support residents on low income.
The scheme, which you can apply for from April 1, is now extended for another year (ending March 31, 2024).
You could be entitled to free cash if you’re struggling to pay for essentials – and you don’t need to be on benefits.
The funding is available all year round but it’ll hit bank accounts within two set time periods – April to September and October to March.
Households can apply for one or both of the time periods.
How much can I get?
Keep in mind how much you receive will depend on your individual circumstances.
For example, those on welfare benefits can get up to £150. But you can claim between £250 and £500 if you’re not on benefits, depending on the size of your home.
You’ll only be able to apply once per household every six months.
You can also ask for shopping vouchers if you’d prefer them over free cash, but you’ll need to go onto the Family Hubs section of the council website to apply.
The council is also offering other schemes in support of children on disability benefits and those aged between 18-25, so definitely browse the website or give the council a call to learn more.
You can reach the support desk on 01803 201201.
How can I apply?
You’ll need to fill out an online form on the website.
Alternatively there should be paper copies available at your local library – just ask at the reception desk.
You can also request support when filling out the form if you wish.
Make sure you have the important documents to hand including your National Insurance number, a recent bank statement and any information on benefits you’re receiving.
What if I don’t live in Torbay?
Your local council will likely have its own version of the scheme going and you should get in contact with them to find out more.
But be quick – applications for HSF are normally done on a first-come-first-serve basis. You don’t want to miss out and be disappointed.
And remember what you get will depend on your situation, and not every council will hand cash out the same way.
For example, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is paying out up to £230 into thousands of people’s bank accounts from now.
But only if you’re receiving Council Tax Support.
You should check with your local council to see what help you might be in line for.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the government’s council locator tool online.
Just type “find my local council” into Google and it should be the first link that appears on the page.
What other help can I get?
There’s always plenty of help to get even if you don’t qualify for HSF.
A number of energy providers for example, including British Gas, E.On and EDF, offer grants worth up to £1,500.
You should contact yours if you are finding it hard to keep up with payments.
And keep in mind the Warm Home Discount is being paid out, although it’s ending this month. It’s a £150 one off payment towards your energy bills paid to eligible households between October and March each year.
There are different ways to qualify for the scheme, but if you live in England and Wales you have to either:
- be receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- be on a low income and have high energy costs
Beyond March 31, you can still get help with energy bills if you are struggling with payments.
For example, the new £301 cost of living payment will be hitting bank accounts between April 25 and May 17.
It’s part of the big £900 payment going out this year, which will arrive in three parts – the remaining two, worth £300 and £299 will be made this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.