Thousands of families can get £350 one-off payment direct to bank accounts after summer – how to apply
THOUSANDS of families can get up to £350 to help with the cost of living.
The cash comes from the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is a pot worth £842million.
The government scheme was first launched in October 2021 to help those on the lowest incomes struggling with rising living costs.
Each council is allocated a portion of funding from the HSF depending on the size of the catchment area, population and need.
What you get depends on where you live as each council decides how they are going to allocate their portion of the fund.
Some councils offer food or utility bill vouchers while others just put the cash straight into your bank.
The amount you get will depend on your circumstances and you will need to be able to show that you are struggling with living costs.
If you are not sure who your local council is, you can find out by visiting the government’s website and putting your postcode into the locator tool.
Once you know this you can visit your local council’s website where it will usually tell you what is on offer and how you can apply.
Who is eligible for the £350 one-off payment?
Residents in East Riding, Yorkshire, who are on low incomes or are unpaid carers could be eligible for a one-off £350 payment.
Those who are eligible will receive a payment of £150 within 20 days and £200 by the end of November.
To apply for the support from East Riding of Yorkshire Council you must meet the following criteria:
- You are in employment and not receiving any benefits, or you are an adult carer.
- You must not have received or be eligible for the £900 cost of living payment.
- If you are a carer, the person you care for must be in receipt of a disability payment.
- Your annual income is below £26,000 for a single person household and below £31 for other households.
- You have less than £6,000 savings in a bank account or elsewhere.
Remember, these are the criteria for residents who come under East Riding of Yorkshire Council, other areas will vary.
Applications are open now and close on October 31 and are restricted to one per person.
If you are not in receipt of benefits you will need to apply to find out if you are eligible.
What other help can I get?
If you are not eligible for the Household Support Fund, you might be entitled to a cost of living payment.
Millions of people will the cost of living payment which is split into three.
They are worth £900, £300 and £150, totalling £1,350.
Depending on your circumstances you could be eligible for all three payments.
The £900 payment has been split into three instalments worth £301, £300 and £299.
The first instalment has already been made to millions of people.
The second and third instalments will be made for most people this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.
In North Yorkshire thousands of locals received electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325 and the council have stated they will be delivering a fourth phase of help later this year.
Buckinghamshire Council have also extended their support after receiving £4.8million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
Those needing help in Shropshire have also been granted a fourth round of HSF funds from April 1, 2023 and details are yet to be confirmed.