Thousands of hard-up families to get series of automatic payments worth £180 – are you one of them?
THOUSANDS of low-income families will get the chance to benefit from council funding worth up to £180.
Cash-strapped households could be eligible for the added support after the cost of living crisis – there’s just one thing they’ll need to know.
Ealing Council has been offered £2.6 million to help those in financial need until March.
It is expected that the funding will be the last phase from the government so those strapped for cash will want to check if they’re eligible.
If you’re living in the area and are hoping to nab some extra money to pay for essentials, you don’t need even need to apply.
However, those eligible will need to get their skates on as the clock is ticking for recipients to redeem the vouchers.
Those deemed qualified to receive the payment will be sent a 16 digit code with instructions via email or letter.
The personalised link will need to be claimed via the Blackhawk website which is a trusted partner of the local council.
All of the payments have been offered as vouchers with those eligible for free school meals receiving ones to spend at supermarkets.
Based on low income, those claiming benefit from the scheme will gain either £15 or £30 per child depending on when they were means tested.
If you’re children are not old enough to claim free school meals then there’s no need to fret as you could still be eligible.
Those with kids under five, receiving housing benefit or council tax reduction could find a voucher in their inbox.
Care leavers have also been placed on the list of those to be supported, with Ealing locals receiving £100 per care leaver.
The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to help those who qualify to be able to afford food and essential items.
Local authorities across the country have been allocated funding from the £421 million pot.
The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map to help those unsure figure out what they may be able to claim.
Funding applications and eligibility varies between council and so those interested in redeeming support should check with their local authority.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.