Thousands of households have just days left to get £175 free cash payments direct into bank accounts
THOUSANDS of households have just days left to claim a £175 cash payment designed to help with rising winter fuel costs.
The government’s Winter Fuel Payment, which was previously available to all pensioners, is now limited to those on specific benefits such as Pension Credit.
However, Tower Hamlets Council has introduced this local scheme to provide extra help for residents struggling to make ends meet.
The payment is its own version of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, funded through the Household Support Fund (HSF)
The HSF sees each council given a different amount of funding to share between residents in need.
The fund is a central pot of money that has been distributed to local authorities who then decide who to offer help to.
Town hall chiefs get to decide what type of help to offer too, whether that be cash grants or vouchers.
The Tower Hamlets Council’s payment aims to support residents who are not eligible for the government cash.
To qualify, you must be a Tower Hamlets resident born before 23 September 1958.
You also need to demonstrate that you do not receive Pension Credit or any other benefit that would entitle you to the government’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Applicants will need to provide personal details, including bank account information, along with proof of identity and age.
This can include official photo identification or a state pension letter accompanied by additional documents like a birth certificate or a utility bill.
You’ll also need a recent bank statement that shows your address. If you don’t have a bank account in your name, you can submit alternative proof of address.
The application deadline is 24 January 2025, and successful applicants will be notified in late January.
Payments will not be made before this stage, so it’s essential to act quickly if you think you’re eligible.
If you need help completing the application, you can visit the Resident Hub at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, located at 160 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BJ.
Alternatively, you can call 0207 364 5040 for assistance.
With the deadline fast approaching, eligible residents should apply now to secure their £175 payment.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
What if you live outside Tower Hamlets?
For those who don’t qualify for this scheme or live outside Tower Hamlets, there may be other support options available.
Many energy suppliers, including British Gas and Octopus Energy, offer grants or other forms of assistance to help with rising energy costs.
It’s also worth checking with your local council to see if similar schemes are available in your area.
Each council in England has been given a share of the £421million pot and can decide how to distribute its portion.
That means what you are entitled to depends on where you live but usually you qualify if you’re on a low income, benefits or classed as vulnerable.
For example, households in Darlington are eligible for £100 free cash grants to cover the cost of living.
Contact your local council if you think you’re eligible for help. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
In any case, you’ll need to apply sharpish as councils have until March 31 to allocate their share of the latest round.
Get help with the cost of living
You might be eligible for other support if you don’t qualify for the Household Support Fund.
You could get a grant from your energy firm if you’ve fallen behind on your bills.
British Gas and Octopus Energy both have schemes that offer to pay you non-repayable grants.
Other energy companies are handing out freebies like electric blankets and air fryers too, including Octopus Energy and EDF.
It’s worth checking if you can get your council tax bill reduced or even wiped completely if you’re on a low income or benefits too.
For example, single person households can get a 25% discount while pensioners on the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit can get up to 100% off.
Check if you qualify for benefits – billions of pounds’ worth is going unclaimed, according to Policy in Practice.
There are three major free calculators you can use to see what you might be entitled to:
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to claim much-needed financial support.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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