Hard up households can get up to £110 in free cash – check if you’re eligible & exact date you need to apply by
HARD-UP households have one day to go before they can apply for free cash worth £110.
Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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 Cambridgeshire can get financial help worth up to £110.
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Applications for the support open on February 10, giving customers just one day before they can apply to get the cash.
To be eligible for the support you must currently live in Cambridgeshire and have £16,000 or less in money, savings, and investments.
If you are on benefits or work, you must also make less than £392 a week if you are a single applicant or £593 if you are applying as a couple.
This rises to £605 if you are a single partner with one child or £802 if you have two children or £1,016 if you have three or more kids.
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For couples with one child the figure is set at £718 a week or £911 if you have two children or £1,130 for three or more.
The £110 you receive can be converted into supermarket vouchers.
This is sent by email and can be redeemed at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco.
Or it can be used as a Paypoint Energy Voucher to help with energy costs for your prepayment energy meter.
Alternatively, the amount can be amount sent directly to your bank account.
If you think you could be eligible but do not think you meet the criteria, it may be worth getting in touch with the council directly to see if they can help.
You can apply online from Monday February 10 at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE?
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.
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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.
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.