HARD-UP households have just one-week left to claim up to £200 supermarket vouchers and cost of living payments,
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.
While the latest funding for the scheme is set to end on March 31, a number of councils are closing their applications on February 28.
This gives struggling households just days to act to ensure they don’t miss out vital help.
We have rounded up the councils set on closing their applications for the scheme at the end of this month.
Bedford Council
The council in the East of England is still accepting applications for £150 cash grants.
You can claim if you are over the state pension age and in receipt of council tax support.
The money will be paid directly into your bank account.
Households where the council tax payer is of working age, dependent children are included in the household, and are in receipt of a council tax support can also claim.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Cash for Care” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6361032891112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]These households can also apply for a £150 cash grant, paid directly into their bank accounts.
The deadline to apply for both forms of funding is February 28.
To apply, visit bedford.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/grants-and-funding/household-support-fund-2024-25.
Calderdale Council
Hard-up households in Calderdale have until next Friday to apply for support up to £100.
You may be eligible if you receive council tax reduction based upon your income.
How much you get depends of certain factors such as if you live with children or have a disability.
Foe example, households with children will get £100 and so will households living with a known disability.
Meanwhile, single and couples with no children or disability will receive £50.
For households with children and a known disability, only one payment of £100 can be awarded.
To find out more, visit new.calderdale.gov.uk/benefits/hsf.
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Canterbury Council is offering cash worth up to £200 to struggling households before the end of February.
To apply for a payment, you must:
- Live in the Canterbury district and be 16 or over (including university students)
- Have a total household income of £40,000 or less – this includes any money from employment or benefits
- Have no more than £500 in savings and not have access to any other money to support your situation
Again, how much you get depends of factors such as your age and whether or not you have kids.
Single parents or couples with no children can get a free cash grant worth £100.
Those with children can get £150 and those over the state pension age can get £200.
You must apply for the support by visiting canterbury.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/apply-household-support-fund-payment before February 28.
Doncaster Council
Struggling households in Doncaster can get financial help worth up to £225.
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.
While those with three or more dependent children will get £225.
Pensioners who are receiving Pension Credit will get £50.
Leicester City Council
Leicester City Council is closing applications for its Household Support Fund come February 28.
But there is still a chance to apply for the support if you vist , visit leicester.gov.uk/your-community/benefits-and-other-support/household-support-fund/.
The council will look at the information in your application to see what support you need on a case-by-case basis.
If your application is successful, your award will be issued as a Post Office Payout voucher.
This can be redeemed for cash at your nearest Post Office to help pay for your gas and electricity bills.
Portsmouth Council
If you have children aged 0-19 that do not qualify for benefits-related free school meals, or someone in your household is over 20 weeks pregnant and you have a low income, you may be eligible to apply for Portsmouth Council’s Family Voucher Scheme.
The scheme is also open to:
- Children attending school outside of Portsmouth
- Home educated children
- Children in early years settings
- Children in full time further education
Eligible families will receive one £50 supermarket voucher per child.
Households must submit their applications online by 12 noon on February 28, by visiting portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/help-and-support/money-advice/household-support-fund/.
Stockton-on-Tees Council
Households in this area that are eligible for council tax reduction should have received an £80 voucher from Stockton-On-Tees Council.
These vouchers are exchangeable for money, which can be used to help pay for energy and food costs.
However, to secure the cash, you must exchange the voucher at your local PayPoint outlet no later than February 28.