Britons are being encouraged to act swiftly to claim payments of up to £600 through the Household Support Fund.The time is running out to seek help through the scheme as it runs only until Spring.
A total of £421 million has been injected into English councils in the latest round of funding. Devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been allocated an added sum of £79 million.
Hard-pressed low-income families and individuals in need of support to manage living costs can approach their local council for potential aid. Councils exercise discretion regarding the way the government-backed funds are spent, with grants ranging from £125 to £600 on offer.
Applicants must bear in mind that the closing date for the current phase of the Household Support Fund is on Monday, September 30, making it paramount to apply promptly. Reports early in September disclosed that 100 local authorities had not yet handed out all their allocated funds, resulting in a staggering £57 million remaining untouched across the UK.
For those concerned by the new limits applied to this year’s Winter Fuel payment, additional help may still be available. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall previously asserted: “We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.”
Who qualifies for the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF), operated by local councils, offers differing levels of aid based on your location. Generally, if you’re a benefits recipient, deemed vulnerable, or have limited savings, you could qualify for support.
Previous receipt of HSF can impact suitability for the ongoing allocation. Eligible recipients may be contacted by their local council outlining the specifics of available assistance.
Alternatively, individuals might have to apply directly through their council’s official website. As the Government has recently renewed the HSF programme, councils may still be delineating the criteria for qualification.
Local authorities are in charge of deciding the grant total per household and when the funds will be given out. To ascertain the start times for applications and the requisites for eligibility, it’s best to contact your local council.
Utilise the “Find your local council” feature on the Government’s website to discover your council contacts. Simply input your postcode to find out who runs your local council and gain access to their website link.
