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Thousands of households on Universal Credit and SEVEN other benefits can get free £50 cash voucher NOW
Locals who don't receive benefits can also now apply for the voucher
THOUSANDS of struggling households on Universal Credit and seven other benefits could be eligible for a £50 cash voucher.
Hard-up families in Middlesborough could receive support from the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher today.
To be eligible you need to be claiming at least one of these benefits:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
Those living alone will get up to £37.50 with couples receiving £50.
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The scheme will run until September 20 and will continue to provide money in phases for those who need it most.
The HSF was set up to help residents across the country with energy bills, food, and essential costs like Council Tax.
Locals in the area who don't receive benefits can also now apply for the cash voucher.
Households claiming benefits and looking after children can apply in early July and should expect to receive an automatic payment.
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Whereas, pensioner households will get their HSF cash in August and should apply in late June.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times, to September 2024.
The latest round of funding is worth £421million to councils in England.
Thousands of low-income households could receive a one-off £400 payment
Who qualifies and the level of support given is a postcode lottery, as each local authority can set its own criteria for distributing the funds.
However, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, are classed as vulnerable or are on benefits, you will likely qualify for help.
What support is available?
The support provided varies from council to council, so it's worth checking the schemes your local council has in place to make sure you receive all the assistance available.
For example, in Hertfordshire funds have also been made available to support households on low incomes facing immediate financial crisis, provide help with energy costs and support food banks.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's tool on its website.
You don't need to worry about additional support impacting existing benefits, as these will be unaffected by payments from the HSF.
And, you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
How do you apply?
To get the help, you'll need to check with your council - as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
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Information on how to apply for the funding should be published on your council's website. Each council will have a different application process.
If there's no information on your council's website, then it's best to ring them up and ask for more information.
What council tax support is available?
THERE are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit //www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You'll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn't have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
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