Exact date in weeks households have until to apply for a free £350 cost of living payment
THOUSANDS of households have just weeks left to apply for a free £350 cost of living payment.
Prices are already sky high and with winter coming, households will probably pay more for energy.
But there is help people can get, and some households can claim £350 free cash.
The cash support comes through the Household Support Fund which is currently worth £842million.
The scheme is there to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
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.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
Those living in the borough of East Riding, Yorkshire can get £350 for free.
The first payment is £150 and will be made within 20 days once your application has been accepted.
The second payment of £200 will be paid by the end of November.
The money can be used to cover the cost of food, energy, water and other essentials.
It’s available to those in receipt of housing benefit but not eligible for the £900 cost of living payment.
It’s also for those who are care leavers and responsible for council tax.
You could also qualify if you’re working but not in receipt of any benefits.
But households only have until October 21 to apply, so they’ll need to be quick.
Not everyone eligible is guaranteed to get money as East Riding said that once funds are spent, the scheme will be closed.
You can apply online via the East Riding council’s website.
You can also call 01482 393939 if you are unable to fill in the form online.
What if I don’t live in East Riding?
If you don’t live in East Riding, ask your local council what it’s offering through the Household Support Fund.
Those living in Dudley could get up to £275 to help towards the cost of living from next month.
In North Yorkshire, thousands of locals received electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325.
In other councils – including Buckinghamshire, North Norfolk and Shropshire – details are still being finalised for the period between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
There is other help out there if you are not eligible for the funding.
For example, you could be entitled to a cost of living payment of up to £1,350.
This year and into 2024 the Government is handing out payments to millions of people.
Individually the payments are worth £900, £300 and £150.
Some people may be eligible for all three which means a total of £1,350.
The £900 payment has been split into three instalments worth £301, £300 and £299.
The first, worth £301, was paid out to over eight million households in April and May.
Households on certain benefits including Universal Credit will receive the second payment directly into their bank accounts between October 31 and November 19.
The third, worth £299, will land in eligible people’s bank accounts in spring 2024, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.
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