Households can get £170 free cash for food, fuel and energy bills in DAYS – how to apply
HOUSEHOLDS could be in line for an extra £170 in days to go towards food, fuel and energy bills.
The help comes as part of the Household Support Fund – a grant that supports those on low income.
Councils across England are dipping into a £842million cash pot put towards helping struggling households.
Each area will decide what the cash is used for and who gets it.
That means eligibility is different for each area, but the money is normally given to households on low incomes to help pay for food, energy bills and other essential items.
Now, Wolverhampton Council is offering residents up to £170.
If you apply now and you’re successful, the money could arrive within seven to 10 working days.
Here’s everything we know.
Who’s eligible?
You’ll need to show you’re on some level of low income when you apply for the grant.
It’ll help if you receive certain benefits, or perhaps if you are eligible for any government cost of living payments.
You should have all of that information to hand when you apply.
But do note you can only submit one application per household.
You’ll also be eligible if you’re a tenant at the following:
- Wolverhampton Homes
- Dovecotes TMO
- Bushbury Hill EMB
- New Park Village TMC
But do get in contact first – they’ll have their own way for you to submit a form.
If this doesn’t apply, you’ll need to submit an application through the GrantApproval website.
You’ll need your Council Tax reference number and a recent bank statement no older than three months to hand when applying.
Make sure it’s the same account your household bills come out of.
Keep in mind it may take seven to 10 working days to hear a response, and you may be asked for further information.
If this happens, make sure to reply within five working days otherwise your application could be shut.
What can I get?
If you apply for money towards food bills, you could get £25 if you’re a single adult or £50 if you’re a couple, and then an extra £15 per child.
For energy bills it’s £40 for a single adult, £60 for a couple and another £15 per child as well.
So if you’re a family of four claiming cash for both food and fuel support, you could get up to £170.
What if I don’t live in Wolverhampton?
If you don’t live in Wolverhampton you could be in line for help through your local council.
You should check on your council’s website, or give them a call to find out if you’re eligible.
The best way to find out what council area you fall under is by using the government’s council locator found on its website.
You might have to be quick if you want help though.
There are also other means of support you could be entitled to.
For example, six million people are due to receive the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment over the next few weeks.
The tax-free cash will be paid directly into recipients’ bank accounts from June 20 to July 4.
The automatic payment will come through if you receive any of the below:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
The code to spot in your statement will be your national insurance number, followed by “DWP COL”.
Meanwhile, a separate £900 cost of living payment for those on certain benefits is being paid out over the course of the year.
The payment is available for those who receive any of the following:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
The first payment, worth £301, was paid between April and May.
The second instalment, worth £300, will be paid in autumn.
Spring next year will see the final chunk of the £900 cost of living payment dished out – it is worth £299.