What is the Household Support Fund and how do I apply?

STRUGGLING Brits can claim free cash to help with the cost of living via the Household Support Fund.

The support is dished from a pot worth £842million by the Department for Work and Pensions.

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What you can get depends on where you live but the cash could be as a direct cash transfer or shopping vouchers.

Amounts vary and it is up to the local council as to how the money is distributed.

The fund is usually given out based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.

It's designed to help the most hard-up families struggling with the cost of living.

But what is the Household Support Fund, and how do you apply for the help? Below we explain all you need to know.

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 slice of the £842million 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 do you 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.

Once you've found your council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding on its website.

Each council will have a different application process - so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.

That means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund could also vary - it's best to check with your local council for more details.

Some councils won't require you to apply for the help and they'll contact you about it instead if you qualify.

If there's no information on your council's website, then its best to ring them up and ask for more information.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

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