PEOPLE are only just realising you can get free cash if they’re struggling with bills.
Dozens of local authorities have posted on Facebook and said that hard-up households can get support with food, fuel and energy costs.
AlamyHard-up households can get hundreds of pounds to help with the cost of living[/caption]
People have been quick to share details of the support on offer and are reposting their council’s information widely.
For example, a post on Dorset Council’s Facebook page said: “Round Four of the Household Support Fund is to open soon for applications.
“Low-income households in the Dorset Council area will be able to apply for the next round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) to help with rising costs.
“Applications for this window open at 9am on Tuesday April 4.”
People have rushed to share the post and others have discovered that other councils are also preparing to open applications for the fourth round of the support fund.
One person said on Facebook: “Keep an eye out for the new application deadlines for the Household Support Fund by visiting your local council’s website.”
The government is pumping a further £842million into the pot of cash which councils are giving out.
The Household Support Fund was first established in 2021, extended for the second time in the March Budget and for a third time in November 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.
For example, Bradford Council has been allocated £11million while Croydon Council is set to receive £6million.
The money on offer to residents varies by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you once it receives its new budget.
Households can expect to receive hundreds in support.
For example, in the third phase of the scheme Runnymede Council paid hard-up households up to £800.
Those living in the district of Harrow Council could also apply for £300.
Residents can claim the cash to help with things like energy and grocery bills, rent arrears or council tax payments.
Councils will likely offer up similar examples of support now that the scheme has been renewed.
Mims Davies MP, DWP minister for social mobility, youth and progression, said: “This significant extension to the Government’s Household Support Fund is hugely welcome – as it has already helped millions of vulnerable families across England through these financially-testing times and will continue to do so over the next year.
“This fund is of course just one part of our extensive Cost of Living support package for families that is complementing our efforts to halve inflation – one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities – to reduce prices for us all.”
How do you apply?
To get the help, you’ll need to check if you need to apply via your local council – as they are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the Gov.UK council finder tool.
Once you’ve found your council, there should be information on how to apply for funding on its website.
Each council will have a different application process – so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
The eligibility requirements to access the fund will also vary.
But, some councils won’t require you to apply for the help and they’ll contact you about any cash available if you qualify.
If there’s no information on your council’s website, then it’s best to ring them up and ask for more information.
What other energy bill help is available?
A £900 payment will be going to millions on means-tested benefits and Universal Credit in three instalments this year.
To be eligible for the payment, households will need to be claiming at least one of the following:
Income-based Jobseeker’s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowanceIncome SupportPension CreditTax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)Housing BenefitCouncil Tax SupportSocial Fund (Sure Start Maternity Grant, Funeral Payment, Cold Weather Payment)Universal Credit
Elderly Brits will receive another one-off £300 pensioner cost of living payment.
Those with certain disabilities will also qualify for a further £150 cost of living payment.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling. Here’s a list of schemes open right now: