HELPING HAND
Just DAYS left for thousands to apply for up to £400 free cash for winter as huge fund set to close
If you're eligible for cash support you need to apply now
THOUSANDS of people have just days left to apply for up to £400 free cash ahead of the winter.
The latest round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) is due to close on September 30, so if you're eligible for help you need to make your application now.
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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.
The latest round saw £421million given to local councils to distribute to those most in need in their area.
The current round of funding is due to end on September 30 - but applications are still being accepted by some local authorities, so if you're quick you can still get in.
Earlier this month, it was announced that funding would be extended for the sixth time.
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The news means that thousands more will be able to access support when schemes reopen in October, with the new round of funding in place until April 2025.
The support available through the HSF varies across the country and what you can access depends on where you live.
But funds could be paid out as a direct cash transfer or shopping vouchers.
The amount you receive is usually based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
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For example, East Devon District Council is offering a one-off payment of £100 to households receiving full Housing Benefit or a full Council Tax reduction, with less than £3,000 in capital and someone living in the household who is disabled or a carer.
The cash is also available to care leavers in receipt of Council Tax relief or other benefits including discretionary Housing Benefit.
Meanwhile, Shropshire Council provided a one-off payment of £400 to households in receipt of Council Tax support with a dependant child.
Those eligible who have missed August's payment run can still apply to have the funds added to their Council Tax account.
And Blackpool Council has already announced its support scheme will be extended until April 2025.
Households struggling with living costs could be able to access a £200 payment if there are one or two people living in their property, or £300 if three or more are resident.
To be eligible, applicants will need to be over the age of 16, experiencing financial hardship and responsible for paying energy bills.
Many councils have warned that funds many close early if all of the cash is allocated, and some have already stopped accepting new applicants.
But it's always worth checking your local council and, if schemes are still open, it's best to apply sooner rather than later before all the funding is gone.
Every council will receive funding from the HSF in the next round of support, so if you're worried about making ends meet, keep checking your local council's website for further details.
To find your local council, use the Government's tool.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF was first set up in October 2021 and has now been extended six times.
Councils in England are now able to benefit from the latest round of funding which amounts to £421million.
Nationwide councils have received a portion of the cash to distribute to households in need.
But there is a postcode lottery to determine who qualifies and each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria.
Yet, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, or are deemed to be vulnerable or on benefits, you will probably qualify for help.
The HSF's fifth round of funding will close on September 30, but the government has extended the scheme until April 2025 with the injection of a further £421million.
Applications may still be being accepted for the fifth round of funding, so it's still worth checking with your local authority.
Councils will determine how the cash is distributed. For example, households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for a financial award of £300 per household, which was paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food.
The payment could be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Meanwhile, residents of Leeds could receive council tax support with those with dependent children able to claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25.
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.
You may be able to receive free cash or vouchers to cover the cost of heating your home, or the weekly food grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
Additionally, you do not 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 look it up with your council because local authorities are the ones responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the
Once you've identified your local council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding online.
Every council has a separate application process, meaning specific details regarding how to apply depend on where you live.
The eligibility requirements to access the fund might vary in addition so it's best to check with your local council for further details.
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Some councils won't need you to apply for help and will get in touch instead if you qualify.
If you can't find any information on your council's website, it' s a good idea to call them and ask for further information.
How to save on your energy bills
SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash.
Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.
Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.
It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier.
- Your postcode
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading
It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.
It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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