HELPING HAND
One-off payments worth up to £100 going to thousands of households in DAYS
Additional payments are promised for those who need more support
CASH-STRAPPED households are set for cost-of-living relief with a one-off payment to land in thousands of accounts in just days.
Leeds Council was allocated a £7.09million slice of the Household Support Fund (HSF) and is set to send £100 payments to families from July.
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A council report said £2.7million would be committed to more than 62,500 households already on the Council Tax Support scheme.
It comes as an effort to ensure payments fill the pockets of those who are most vulnerable.
Households with dependent children will receive £100, while adults and pensioners without kids can expect £25.
Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
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A council report previously stated: “The area of highest spending will be through the Council Tax Support related scheme.
"This will ensure that households on the lowest incomes in the city receive support directly, without the requirement for an application process."
The says: "A payment will be made to households living in Leeds who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. Households must be in receipt of Council Tax Support on 24 June 2024 to qualify.
"These payments will be made throughout July 2024 and we will be in direct contact with anyone who is eligible."
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With the council opting to drip feed the funds to those on its support scheme, residents are unable to apply for the relief themselves.
The council previously warned any funding would be strictly for struggling citizens.
Thousands of low-income households could receive a one-off £400 payment
But additional payments have been promised for those desperate for more support.
The report added: "Additional funding will be available to residents who need emergency support with the costs of food, energy or household items.
"Funding is available to council services supporting vulnerable, low-income households so that they can offer additional financial support where appropriate."
The HSF was introduced by government in 2021 but has been extended several times as the cost-of-living crunch continues to grip hard-up households.
Local councils are each given a portion of funding, and it's up to them to then decide how to distribute it.
Leeds Council has dedicated a further £1.7million for local charities.
These include the Leeds Food Aid Network, Voluntary Action Leeds, Forum Central and Fareshare.
The city's Local Welfare Support scheme is also set for a £200,000 boost.
How to apply where you are
Residents across the country will need to check with their local councils, given they are in charge of how they distribute their funding.
To find your local council, use the
Then browse your local authority's website - there should be info about their financial support on offer.
Each council has a different application process, with eligibility criteria varying.
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Some councils, like Leeds, will already have designated residents, so you won't be able to apply - they'll contact you instead.
If your council's website isn't clear, call them up and ask for information.
Other councils' recent support schemes
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West Devon
West Devon is now paying £500 into the most vulnerable accounts.
The council says each application is assessed case-by-case, and it would prioritise residents with the lowest incomes.
West Devon says it supported 137 residents during the last round.
Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council has secured a further £4.5 million pounds from the DWP.
Here's what you can get:
- £80 payment to pensioners in receipt of pension credit
- £80 payment to adults assessed receiving care
- £80 payment per child for families receiving council tax support on June 3, 2024
- £80 payment per child for families living in emergency accommodation on June 3, 2024
Coventry City Council
Households who find themselves in financial difficulty can apply for a range of support:
- £120 to single people or childless couples to help with energy and water bills
- £140 to families to help with energy and water bills
- £25 worth of food parcels
- Household appliances and furniture
- £95 per adult and £60 per child in clothes vouchers
- £20 to single person or childless couple in toiletries vouches
- £30 to families in toiletries vouches
Ealing Council
Ealing has been allocated £2.6M to support low-income families between now and the end of September 2024.
All of the following supermarket vouchers will be provided by the council's partner, Blackhawk.
- £105 to families claiming benefits related free school meals in supermarket vouchers
- £105 to families with children under the age of five who get Housing Benefit or council tax reduction
- £105 to care leavers in supermarket vouchers
If you are eligible, you do not need to apply for the vouchers.
Hartlepool Borough Council
The majority of Hartlepool's HSF funding is targeted at children and pensioners in low-income households.
The funding is allocated to these two groups in the form of shopping vouchers for food or in some cases as a bank payment.
Eligible households could get:
- £60 shopping vouchers per child in receipt of free school meals
- £60 shopping vouchers to low-income pensioners
Herefordshire Council
Households in Herefordshire can get up to £500 depending on their circumstances and level of need.
The Council said it is available for "the most vulnerable households".
Eligible households could get access to the following:
- £500 cash grants through the Herefordshire Community Foundation Fuel Poverty Fund
- £250 cash grants for individuals that use 'high energy' use medical equipment
Parents may also be able to get a one-off emergency payment voucher of £75.
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