STRUGGLING households can get a £350 income boost to help with food, bills and school uniform costs.
The cost of living crisis has forced everyone to tighten their purse strings.
The Households Support Fund provides cash and vouchers to low-income householdsPA:Press Association
But those on low-incomes could get extra help – and it doesn’t need to be paid back.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
The money has come from the Government which has distributed it among councils in England.
They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.
That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases help is offered to those on a low income or benefits.
The type of support on offer varies as well – some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making bank transfers.
For example, those living in Sheffield can get £350 free cash.
The money can be used for:
food and housekeeping (groceries, toiletries, baby essentials etc)telephone and broadband (mobile phones, top-ups, broadband charge etc)gas and electricityclothing, including school uniformswhite goodswider essential needs not linked to energy and water, should the local authority consider this appropriate in your area
You cannot use the money for debt advice, mortgage costs, statutory activities or rent or housing arrears.
To apply, residents can go to https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living/apply-household-support-fund and fill in the form.
You’ll need to produce a bank statement from the last 30 days for every adult in the household.
If you qualify, the money will be sent via bank transfer.
If you aren’t eligible you can appeal the decision by contacting Sheffield City Council and asking them to take a look at your application again.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Sheffield?
Yes you can. But what you can get depends on where you live as each council has been given a unique share of the £842million pot.
For example, households in Torridge are in line for payments worth up to £1,000.
And those living in Durham can get £150 free cash for food and other essential bills.
Plus, people living in North Somerset can get £120 to go towards supermarket costs.
The £120 will be paid in two installments – one in the summer and one in the winter.
The application process varies from area to area too.
The best thing to do is contact your local council to see what help is on offer and if you have to take any action.
You can do this by using the Government’s locator tool found on its website.
But you might want to be quick as competition for the fund is fierce and once a council has depleted its share, there’s no more left.
That said, the Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since it was first launched in October 2021 so it might be extended again when the current batch closes, in March 2024.
What other help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners this month.
You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
Attendance AllowanceConstant Attendance AllowanceDisability Living Allowance for adultsDisability Living Allowance for childrenPersonal Independence PaymentAdult Disability Payment (in Scotland)Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)Armed Forces Independence PaymentWar Pension Mobility Supplement
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.
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:
British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family FundBritish Gas Energy TrustEDF Customer Support FundE.ON and E.ON Next GrantsOctopus Energy Assist FundOVO EnergyScottish Power Hardship Fund
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]