THOUSANDS of families can claim a one-off £300 payment direct to bank accounts right now.
The cash support comes through the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.
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You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help, but you don’t necessarily need to be claiming DWP benefits like Universal Credit to claim the cash.
What you can get depends on where you live and what eligibility requirements are set by your local authority.
For example, thousands of residents in Stockton-on-Tees can get free cash paid directly to their bank accounts to help with the cost of living.
Eligible households can get up to £300 depending on their circumstances.
But eligible households will need to be quick to apply for the support as applications will close as soon as all funds have been allocated.
Who’s eligible for the support?
The council is making discretionary payments of £300 per application available to low-income, energy paying households who do not receive council tax reduction and do not benefit from the government’s cost of living support payments.
Households can check if they are eligible for this discretionary support on the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council website.
You can make an application if you live in Stockton-on-Tees and:
- Your household does not get council tax reduction
- No members of the household have received a Government cost of living support payment at any time this year
- You are liable to pay the household energy bills or prepayment meters
- Your total net weekly household income does not exceed £300 for a single person, £400 for a couple, or £560 for a family
How much can I get?
Depending on your circumstances you could get up to £300 in free cash.
If you do receive council tax reduction, you won’t be eligible for a discretionary payment.
However, pensioner households will automatically receive an £80 cash voucher in the final two weeks of July to help with everyday bills.
Do I need to apply for the support?
Those who think they’re eligible for the council’s discretionary scheme must apply on the local authority’s website.
The application process should take no more than 15 minutes and you’ll need the following bits of information to hand:
- Your Council Tax number
- Your last full payslip or proof of income to upload
- The last full payslip or proof of income of your partner and any other adults in the household to upload, if applicable
- A recent household energy bill (unless you have prepayment meters) to upload
- Your bank details
The council will only accept one application per household and the person paying the council tax must be the one to apply for the support.
What if I don’t live in Stockton-on-Tees?
Each council runs its own Household Support Scheme.
Local authorities are given a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
Local authorities have some autonomy on how they use the Fund to reach the vulnerable people in their communities.
Eligibility requirements will vary depending on where you live – so check directly with your council if you could get the cash help.
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.
What other help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment is currently being issued to millions with disabilities.
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment later this year.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
Here’s a list of schemes open right now:
- British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- Ovo Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.
