Households can apply for up to £210 in grocery and energy vouchers – how to claim
HARD-UP households can get up to £210 in free cash to go towards grocery bills, check if you’re eligible now.
The help comes as part of the latest round of Household Support Fund which is worth £842million.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
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.
It was due to end in March this year but was extended until April 2024 meaning households can get more support.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
For example, those living in Medway in Kent, can apply for up to £210 in support.
Eligible households can get vouchers for food costs and energy bills.
This is how much you could get:
- Single person: £50
- Household with 2 people: £70
- Household with 3 people: £105
- Household with 4 people: £140
- Household with 5 people: £175
- Household with 6 or more people: £210
To be eligible, households must:
- be a Medway resident
- be aged 16 or over
- be in demonstrable hardship
- have less than £500 in your bank account
- not have access to any funds that can be used for the same thing the help would be used for
If you think you’re eligible, then you can apply online via the Medway Council website.
What other help is on offer?
If you live in Medway and don’t meet the criteria for the Household Support Fund, there is other help on offer.
Millions of households are in line for cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment is being made to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, from today (April 25).
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners.
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
If you are eligible for the payment, it will be made this summer.
Meanwhile, 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.
You should check if you are entitled to any benefits that qualify you for the cost of living payments.
Some charities have benefits calculators that will give you a rough estimate of what you could be in line for. That includes:
- Turn2Us
- Policy in Practice
- EntitledTo
Remember though, these calculators offer estimates of what you could receive, and aren’t 100% accurate.
But they do serve to remind you of what extra help you could be entitled to.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk