Payment worth up to £350 available for anyone earning under £28k
The Household Support Fund, which first launched in 2021, helps Brits pay their way through a cost of living crisis.
Each council is allocated a certain amount of money to distribute to lower income families, often who make less than £50,000.
And East Riding Council has now revealed that applications are now being accepted – and will be open until Friday, January 26, 2024.
The payments are available to anybody in the East Riding who is eligible and who has not previously received a payment.
Those who are eligible will receive a payment of £350 within just 20 days.
Do I need a TV licence?
If you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don’t watch the shows on an actual TV – for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £159 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £53.50.
You’ll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
How can I beat the loyalty penalty?
The simplest way to beat the loyalty penalty is by simply switching your mobile contract when it expires.
If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract then you won’t need to pay a cancellation fee – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
If you’re still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you’re using, to find out which deal is best for you.
Use comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and Uswitch to compare the best tarrifs and phone prices.
If you’re happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal too.
What other money can I get this Christmas?
It comes as millions of households on Universal Credit could get thousands in extra cash – here’s how.
The Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount off energy bills, and payments usually begin in October.
You get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the scheme and you qualify.
Anyone born on or before September 25, 1957, could get an up to £600 payment this winter via a Winter Fuel payment.
Most people who are eligible get it automatically like if you receive state pension.
Exact date to take a meter reading to avoid being overcharged
Energy bills are set to rise next year, so you’ll want to make sure your meter reading is as accurate as possible to avoid being overcharged.
The unit rates for gas will rise from 6.89p per kWh to 7.42p per kWh from January 1.
This means if your meter reading is old or inaccurate, you could face seeing a larger increase than expected.
With that in mind, make sure to take a new, accurate reading by December 31 latest.
What temperature to run your washing machine at to save money
To save on your energy bills, experts suggest lowering the temperature at which you wash clothes.
You’ll still be getting fresh and clean clothes if you switch from a 40C wash to a 30C one and it could save you £12 a year on average, according to Energy Saving Trust.
If you use your washing machine a lot, you’ll save even more if you lower the temperature.
Uswitch energy expert Will Owen previously told The Sun: “Use a cold water or 30C cycle where possible. It’s only for particularly dirty clothes, bad stains or underwear that you are likely to need warmer temperatures.”
