One week warning for hundreds of households to apply for £250 free cash or miss out – how to get it

HARD-UP households have just days to apply for cash to help with the cost of living or miss out for good.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government pot worth £421million earmarked for those struggling to afford food and bills.

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It is paid out by local councils who give to families in need of extra financial help.

Through the scheme, households in Canterbury can get up to £250 but residents only have until September 20 to apply.

There are three different areas of support households can get - but you can only apply for one from the list:

• Help with food costs - £250
• Help with energy costs - £250
• Other essentials like period products, clothes and broadband - £250

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The help is available to those who:

• Live in the Canterbury district (including university students)
• Are 16 or over
• Have a total household income of £40,000 or less - including money from employment or benefits
• No more than £1,000 in savings and no access to other financial to support.

What if I don't live in Canterbury?

The Household Support Fund is available through councils across England.

However, each local authority sets its own criteria over who can qualify for help.

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Help started afresh in April after the Household Support Fund was renewed for the fif,yth time and some councils have already distributed their share of the pot.

However, many are still open for applicants.

For example, Tower Hamlets Council is handing out payments worth £100.

Meanwhile, Plymouth Council is giving up to £740.

The exact amount available depends on your local council.

You can find which is your council by using the Government's council locator tool.

Will I qualify?

Each authority has its own criteria so you will need to check directly if your are eligible for help.

Often, councils offer it to residents on selected benefits or below a household income threshold.

It is a good idea to check for any other schemes your local council offers, as you may be entitled to help beyond the Household Support Fund.

Any benefits you already receive will not be impacted by applying for support. 

How to apply 

To get the help, check how to apply with your council the process can vary by local authority.

Information on how to apply for the funding should be published on your council's website.

If there's no information on your council's website, ring up and ask for more information.

More support with the cost of living

Besides the Household Support Fund, there is other means of getting financial support.

First, make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.

Millions of people miss out on help they could be claiming.

Use a benefits calculator such as turn2us to find out what you are due.

Then apply for benefits through the Government's website.

Many of these benefits unlock further freebies or perks.

For example, those on Universal Credit can get help covering the cost of childcare, while people claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.

If energy bills are a specific problem, you may be able to get grants to cover arrears.

A number of energy firms offer grants to struggling customers, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy and British Gas.

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If you're struggling to pay bills, it's always best speak to your supplier to see how they help.

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.