CASH IN
Thousands of struggling families can get £124 direct to bank accounts to help with costs – will you get a payment?
Payments are being made to help with essential costs and bills
THOUSANDS of households could get a £124 cash payment directly into their bank accounts, to help with essential costs.
Those facing financial hardship can apply for funding from the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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The HSF provides financial help to struggling households, and has been extended several times since it was first introduced by the Government in 2021.
Funding is given out to local councils to distribute to those most in need in their area, so the support available varies across the country and what you can get depends on where you live.
The money could be paid out as a direct cash transfer, shopping vouchers or by other means to help with bills and other expenses - it is up to the council to decide how to distribute it.
Eligibility is usually based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
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Those living in Derbyshire can apply to the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund to receive a cash payment to help towards food and energy costs.
Eligible applicants will receive £64 per household plus an extra £20 for a partner and spouse and each dependent child under the age of 19.
So a couple with two children under 19, would receive £124.
And, households can apply for up to three payments in a 12-month period.
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Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a payment from the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund applicants must be:
- Aged over 16 and living in Derbyshire
- Able to demonstrate they're in financial hardship
How to apply
The fund is managed by Derbyshire County Council.
Applications can be made by calling 01629 533399.
Some personal details will be taken during the initial phone call and then an assessor will phone back to discuss the application in more detail.
The assessor will need to know:
- how a person or family is in crisis and what will happen if help is not quickly made available
- what money and savings might be available or have been applied for
What other support is available?
Derbyshire Council has also provided grocery vouchers for families with children, and care leavers.
One-off vouchers were automatically sent to the parents of children who receive free school meals or the early years pupil premium as well as care leavers aged up to 21.
A one-off £63 voucher to help with energy costs are also being sent out.
Households will be eligible if at least one resident is a pensioner entitled to council tax support or if at least one resident is receiving home care support and on a low income.
If you don't live in Derbyshire check what support is available from your council through the HSF.
Free cash schemes if you're struggling
Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living - but there's help you can get.
New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme.
Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child.
Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers.
The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000.
Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis.
Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times.
The latest round of funding has seen £421million passed on to councils in England to help struggling households in their area.
Each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria, so what you could receive is a postcode lottery.
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.
The HSF was recently extended in the Government's Spring Budget until September and some councils have already opened for applications.
For example, Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
Some could qualify for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers to cover water bills worth £100 too.
In Cambridgeshire, residents in need of support can apply for a financial award of £110 per household.
Even better, residents can apply twice for support between 1 April and September 30 this year, meaning each household could be in line to receive as much as £220.
The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 into your bank account, or split between different types of vouchers.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
But you may be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or to cover the costs of your weekly grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
And you don't need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.
How do you apply?
To get the help, you'll need to check with your council.
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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.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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