Thousands of households qualify for up to £1,000 extra cost of living payment – check if you’re one of them

THOUSANDS of households on certain benefits could get up to £1,000 free cash to help with rising prices.

The cost of living crisis has taken a toll on all of us, forcing many people to tighten their purse strings.

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However, those on a low-income or certain benefits could get free financial help from their local council.

The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.

The money is provided by the Government which has distributed it among councils in England.

They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.

That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.

The type of support on offer varies as well – some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making bank transfers.

For example, those living in Basingstoke and Dean could get up to £1,000.

To be eligible you must live in that area, pay for energy bills and have less than £20,000 in savings.

The amount you get will vary but if you’re on a joint income of up to £35,000 then you could get the full £1,000.

While single households on an income of up to £25,000 will get up to £500.

Don’t worry if you’re on certain benefits as Basingstoke council won’t include the help you get as part of your assessment.

These include:

• Disability living allowance,
• Personal Independence Payment,
• Attendance Allowance,
• Carers Allowance
• Child benefit and other child maintenance

If you think you are eligible then you can apply online via the Basingstoke Council website.

You’ll need your National insurance number, income details and information on household spending.

Payments will most likely be made through the Post Office.

Those who qualify will receive a letter which they can then take to the local Post Office.

You will then have the option of:

• withdrawing it as cash
• using it to pay a bill
• having it transferred to your bank account

What if I don’t live in Basingstoke?

The best thing to do is contact your local council to see what help is on offer and if you have to take any action.

You can do this by using the Government’s locator tool found on its website.

But you might want to be quick as competition for the fund is fierce and once a council has depleted its share, there’s no more left.

That said, the Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since it was first launched in October 2021 so it might be extended again when the current batch closes, in March 2024.

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 and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners this month.

You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Attendance Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance for adults
• Disability Living Allowance for children
• Personal Independence Payment
• Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

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 from November this year.

You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.

Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.

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
• British Gas Energy Trust
• 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.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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