Warning for millions to apply to huge free cash fund set to end within weeks – are you due up to £500 cash?
THOUSANDS of hard-up households could miss out on £100s in free cash grants if they don't act fast.
The support comes from the Household Support Fund (HSF) scheme, which ends on September 31.
It comes as 84% of authorities are braced for a significant increase in demand for support in the coming months, but many will not be able to plug the shortfall, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
Only 1% of councils said they could match the funding when it expires, while just over two-thirds (67%) reported that local welfare funding, which is administered by councils, would decrease if the fund was withdrawn.
Under the HSF, each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location, so you'll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
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Some councils will make payouts automatically, and others will require you to fill out an application form.
You'll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
The funding runs until the end of September, which is the deadline for which councils must dish out the available money to hard-up households.
The government has not confirmed whether it will extend the scheme, but there are calls for its renewal.
Pete Marland, chairman of the LGA's economy and resources board, said: "The Household Support Fund is a vital safety net for vulnerable residents struggling with the cost of living, but is currently due to run out in a matter of weeks.
"As our survey shows, services including grants for energy and food, supplying essential furniture and white goods, paying for energy efficiency improvements, funding food banks, offering food vouchers for children during school holidays and employment and financial advice are all at risk of being lost and irreplaceable.
"We are approaching another cliff edge before the current fund runs out and we urge the government to urgently extend this for at least another six months, to help support those most affected through the winter when energy bills in particular are expected to be higher."
Households need to act quickly if they wish to apply to their local authority for funding through the scheme.
Councils can still close their schemes before the September 31 deadline if all funds become allocated beforehand.
For example, East Cambridgeshire District Council closed applications for £110 grants on July 25.
Other councils may do the same.
How much can I get?
The exact amount of money available to you through the HSF scheme will depend on your council's criteria.
For example, low-income households in Bath and North East Somerset can get up to £500 in cash grants through its HSF funded Discretionary Crisis Fund.
Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
Some could qualify for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers to cover water bills worth £100 too.
In Cambridgeshire, residents in need of support can apply for a financial award of £110 per household.
Even better, residents can apply twice for support between 1 April and September 30 this year, meaning each household could be in line to receive as much as £220.
The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 into your bank account, or split between different types of vouchers.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
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 £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.
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, visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
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.
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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.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.