THOUSANDS of lucky households are set to get an automatic £100 payment to help them with rising energy bills – and you can apply today.
Over 16,500 homes are thought to be able to get the financial booster in an attempt to help them deal the cost-of-living crisis many of us are battling with.
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The bonus cash is said to be handed down to put money “back in the pockets of those who need it most”.
The free gesture is available for the thousands living in London‘s Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.
To see if your household is eligible for the £100 gift check your local council’s website and apply through them online.
The applications opened from midday today and payments will be dished out between May 1, and May 31, 2024.
Only one £100 payment is available per household.
Those who are able to apply is anyone getting Council Tax relief, on a Housing Benefit or households in receipt of the housing costs element of Universal Credit.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for finance, customer delivery and net zero said: “Inflation and energy costs have fallen in the last year, but we know many families are still feeling the pinch due to cost-of-living pressures.
“This £100 payment is money back in the pockets of those who need it most.
“Like many local councils, we have difficult decisions ahead in our budget plans, but we have made a commitment to become a fairer borough and by targeting support in this way we can make sure it is directed to those on the lowest incomes, where it can make the biggest difference.”
The funding doesn’t come under the Housing Support Fund but is on offer across the country.
The cash is being dished out from a pot worth a whopping £842million by the Department for Work and Pensions.
It can come as a direct bank transfer or shopping vouchers depending on exactly where you live.
Amounts can vary and it is up to the local council to distribute the money.
But it is usually given out based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
Its designed to help those families who are struggling most with the cost of living.
What is the Household Support Fund?
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 big slice of the funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the Spring Budget and for a third time in November to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP has confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
But you may be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or to cover costs of your weekly grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
And, 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.
Thousands of households in East Surrey are eligible for up to £350 while those living in Dudley could get up to £275.
Buckinghamshire Council have also extended their support after receiving £4.8million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
For example, those living in West Devon received up to £400.
How to apply
TO get the help, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Check in with them and finds out if they are offering the cash.
If you are the tenant or owner of the property and get Housing Benefits or Council Tax Reductions you don’t need to do anything.
You will automatically receive the payment as your bank details are already registered with the council.
However if you’re receiving Universal Credit Housing Allowance then you’ll need to apply for the Low Income Support Payment through the council.
All links should be found online.
Applications are open and payments will be made in May.
