HELPING HAND
Thousands of households can get up to £500 in free cash or supermarket vouchers – but applications need to be quick
Watch our video to find out if you can claim free cash
THOUSANDS of households can get up to £500 in free cash or free supermarket vouchers - but you'll need to apply quickly.
Hard-up families can claim support to help with the cost of living via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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The HSF offers help to struggling households and has been extended several times since it was introduced by the Government in 2021.
Funding is given to local councils to distribute, so the support available varies across the country.
What you can get depends on where you live but the money could be paid out as a direct cash transfer or shopping vouchers.
The fund is usually given out based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
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It's been announced that households in Luton in need of support can apply for a financial award of £500 per household.
The fund is paid in the form of vouchers to support with groceries, utilities, as well as cash vouchers.
Families with children eligible for free school meals will receive the support automatically through their schools.
Other households on low incomes, but are not eligible for free school meals or those who do not have children, can apply via the self-application scheme on the council's website.
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The council told The Sun thousands of households will be eligible, and in previous rounds of funding, as many as 15,000 households have been supported.
Payments to families eligible for free school meals were made before the school holidays.
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Meanwhile, awards to those who apply to the self-application process are made as soon as possible once the necessary documents are received and assessed.
Payments are usually made within ten working days.
To be eligible, you will need to live in Luton, be on a low income, receive benefits or have limited savings.
You can apply online now through the council's website up until September 30.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.
But the council is warning that the fund many close earlier if all of the cash is allocated, so it's best to apply sooner rather than later.
Every council will have received funding from the HSF so if you're worried about making ends meet, check your local council's website for further details.
Further support could also be available to help with food costs during school holidays.
To find your local council, use the Government's tool.
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.
Who qualifies and the level of support given is a postcode lottery, as each local authority can set 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 other support is available?
The support provided varies from council to council, therefore 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 receive benefits to get 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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