Thousands will get free cash or vouchers from £421m scheme to help with bills – how to claim
THOUSANDS of households can get free cash or vouchers under a new fund to help pay for soaring bills and essentials.
The government has released new funding for local councils to dish out to hard-up residents under the Household Support Scheme.
The new £421million pot of cash will be available from October this year until March next year.
It will replace the current pot of funding which runs out today, September 30.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
Birmingham will receive the largest slice of cash, worth £12.8million – in total since the scheme started, it has been given £38.4million.
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Kent will get the second biggest award worth £11.1million, and Lancashire will get £9.7million.
Not every council will get as much funding as this.
The authority with has been given the least amount of cash is the Isles of Scilly, with £11,130.
While the City of London has received £63,080, and Rutland £157,371.
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Councils which have a higher percentage of struggling families than others will get more cash, because of the demand.
Tower Hamlets, the most deprived area in London, will get £3million, for example.
How do I apply?
Usually, you have to be in receipt of a council tax reduction, or prove you’re in financial difficulty, to get the help.
You’ll need to ask your local authority for more information on how to apply, because each one will have a different application process.
To see what help is on offer in your area, contact your local council – you can find out who yours is by using the gov.uk authority tool checker.
The last round of funding saw some households apply for the help, while others received it automatically.
For example, households living in Warwickshire County Council’s catchment area received free energy bill vouchers automatically.
While other councils were offering direct cash payments worth up to £500 – like Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Other authorities were offering vouchers – like Coventry City Council.
Residents of Effingham, near Guildford, could get up to £300 free cash to help them through the cost of living crisis.
While Lewisham Council sent payments to families with children receiving free school meals, and pensioner households if they apply for the help.
What other help can I get?
There’s plenty of other help on offer if you’re not eligible for help through the Household Support Fund.
Energy companies offer hardship funds, for example you can get £750 from British Gas if you’re a customer.
Households on pension credit or low incomes may qualify for the warm home discount scheme worth £150.
It’s worth checking if you can get help with your food bills.
If you’re pregnant or have a child under the age of four then you may qualify for Healthy Start vouchers to help pay for basic foods such as milk or fruit.
You can apply for free school meals for your child if you’re claiming certain benefits including Universal Credit.
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If your Universal Credit payment is not enough to cover your rent, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
This will give you extra money if your council decides you need help to meet your housing costs. You don’t need to repay a DHP.