Everything you need to know about getting Household Support fund help worth up to £500
THOUSANDS of struggling households could be eligible for additional financial help through the Household Support Fund - here's how to apply.
The higher cost of living is still hitting households hard, despite the fact that inflation has now fallen to 2%, compared to when it peaked at 11% in October 2022.
Money is still tight for many, but help is available for struggling families.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 during the peak of the cost of living crisis, and has now been extended five times.
The latest round of funding is worth £421 million and has been allocated to councils in England.
This has been distributed to councils nationwide to give out to households in need.
The HSF was recently extended in the Government's Spring Budget until September and certain councils already have applications open.
For example, Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
Some could also qualify for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers to cover water bills worth £100 too.
Read more on getting help
Each local authority is determining their own eligibility criteria, so qualification is a postcode lottery.
But generally, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in your bank, and are deemed vulnerable or on benefits, it's likely that you will qualify for help.
Each local authority can distribute the cash to people locally but the help on offer depends where you live.
There are different rules around how to apply for help depending on the council you're dealing with.
It's a bit of a postcode lottery, but once you've identified your council, there will be information and guidance about how to apply on its website.
Typically, the money is distributed to households on low incomes to help pay for food, energy bills and other essential items.
Every council will have a different application process, with the specific details on how to apply differing on whereabouts in the country you are based.
Some councils will not need you to apply individually, but will instead get in touch if you qualify.
If there is no information on the council's website, it's best to call them and request further details.
Who's eligible?
Each local authority can decide on its own eligibility criteria and who qualifies for support.
For example, whilst Ealing Council was allocated to give out £25 supermarket vouches to certain families in its area, Herefordshire council was given over £1 million.
Residents in Herefordshire were only eligible for one-off £60 payments if they lived in the area, were on a low income and received Universal Credit.
So eligibility for the fund can differ from council to council.
You might also need to prove that you're experiencing financial hardship.
In Runnymede, the council has been giving away £150 for electricity, gas and water to people on specific benefits.
But in Ealing, families with children under the age of five, who receive housing benefit and/or council tax reduction are being offered £90.
People living in Bromsgrove and Redditch could apply for the HSF through Citizens Advice, with the maximum amount awarded per household £500.
Yet not all councils have announced they will be distributing money, and if you are unsure, you should give your council a ring to check if they are participating in the scheme.
When you'll get help automatically
In certain cases, payments are made automatically to residents who receive means-tested benefits, so there’s no need to do anything extra.
However, some may need to apply specifically for support directly to their relevant council.
It's always worth looking at the council's website.
If your payment does not arrive automatically and you don't apply, for example, there is a possibility you won't receive the money you are owed.
Also, make sure you keep a look out for letters sent from your local authority, as they might contain important information on how to claim.
For example, North Yorkshire County Council sent out letters to people who were eligible for a payment - yet it then required people to go and claim the cash in person.
Some councils have requested that other organisations refer people before they are given cash.
The council chose organisations like Citizens Advice to identify and refer residents who may be eligible for a voucher.
When you need to apply to your council
Sometimes you will need to apply for the funding from your council.
For example, Birmingham’s fund is being dished out to local residents and offers £200 to help with the cost of food, gas, electricity and water bills.
The fund is available for families with children under 18 and pensioners in financial hardship, alongside those in work.
Residents will need to be getting some financial help already, like council tax support or certain benefits.
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In Birmingham, you will need to contact your local partner organisation, who will undertake an eligibility assessment and then put forward an application.
They’ll complete an eligibility assessment and later submit your application for you.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.