Three week warning for hard-up households to get cash worth £225 in free food and bill help

HARD-UP households have just three weeks to go to apply for free cash worth £225

Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

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The aid was set up in 2021 and has since been extended by the UK government several times. 

How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial circumstances. 

The pot of cash is handed out by local councils and it varies from area to area.

Struggling households in Doncaster can get financial help worth up to £225.

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To be eligible, you must be claiming housing benefit, local council tax reduction,Universal Credit which includes the housing element, or means-tested free school meals.

If you apply for the support you will need to share information such as name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number and bank account details.

The amount you get depends on a number of factors such as whether or not you live with children.

For example, those who live in households with one or two dependent children will get £150 payment.

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While those with three or more dependent children will get £225.

Pensioners who are receiving Pension Credit will get £50.

And those of pension age who are not entitled to Pension Credit will get £150.

The deadline to apply for the support is Friday 28 February 2025 at 5pm.

That gives households just three weeks to apply for the support.

You can apply online at www.doncaster.gov.uk.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN DONCASTER?

What you can get depends on where you live and what support is available.

Each local council receives a portion of the £421million fund, which is then distributed to residents based on need.

Some councils may provide direct cash payments, while others issue vouchers to help cover essentials like energy or food.

How the money is distributed will vary, so it's important to .

For example, St Helens Borough Council in Merseyside is offering support with essential bills.

Low-income families can apply for support with fuel, food and other living expenses, including utility debts, as well as help with the cost of purchasing furniture or white goods.

Direct payments of £200, or £300 for over 80s, will also be made to pensioners who are not eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment, but receive Housing Benefit or a Council Tax reduction.

Milton Keynes City Council is among those offering energy vouchers to struggling households.

The council said it will assess applicants on a "case by case" basis, but people who are just missing out on the winter fuel payment will receive help worth up to £300.

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Coventry Council is also offering energy grants of up to £120 for single people or childless couples, and £160 for families.

Meanwhile Medway Council is also providing help. It will give electronic energy cards to the value of £100 to those in demonstrable hardship, with less than £500 in their bank accounts.