Thousands of families can claim £175 one-off payment from this week – but you’ll need to be quick
THOUSANDS of families battling the cost of living crisis can claim £175 free cash from this week.
The cash support comes through the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help, but you don’t necessarily need to be claiming DWP benefits like Universal Credit to claim the cash.
What you can get depends on where you live and what eligibility requirements are set by your local authority.
For example, thousands of residents in Dudley can get free cash paid directly to their bank accounts to help with the cost of living.
Eligible households can get up to £175 depending on their circumstances.
But eligible households will need to be quick to apply for the support when applications open this week to ensure that they don’t miss out on the free cash.
Who’s eligible for the support?
You can make an application if you live in the Dudley Borough and:
- You are a multi-person household (this includes your partner, children or anyone else that lives with you).
- Your joint gross income, including wages and any other income (for example pensions and all benefits), is less than £45,000 a year.
- Your savings are less than £6000.
If you live on your own, you may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:
- Your gross income, including wages and any other income (for example, pensions and all benefits), is less than £35,000 per year.
- Your savings are less than £6000.
However, potential claimants must also tell Dudley Metropolitan Council why they are struggling to pay their bills.
You will not be eligible for the scheme if you:
- Live outside the borough.
- Your income and/or savings are identified as too high to qualify, depending on your household makeup.
- If you have already received an award from this scheme between 1 April and 30 September 2023.
How much can I get?
Depending on your circumstances you could get up to £175 in free cash.
Most households that find themselves eligible for the support will be able to receive £150 in free cash.
But if someone in your household has a disability, you will receive an extra £25 on top of this.
Do I need to apply for the support?
You must apply to the scheme when applications open to get the free cash.
The Household Support fund will re-open for applications on Wednesday, July 5 at midday.
You’ll be able to fill this in on the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council website.
The council expects demand to be high which means the scheme will close as soon as the funding has been exhausted.
What if I don’t live in Dudley?
Each council runs its own Household Support Scheme.
Local authorities are given a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
Local authorities have some autonomy on how they use the Fund to reach the vulnerable people in their communities.
Eligibility requirements will vary depending on where you live – so check directly with your council if you could get the cash help.
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.
What other help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive 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, a £150 payment is currently being issued to millions with disabilities.
Plus, 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 later this year.
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
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- Ovo Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.