FROM tomorrow, thousands of people with disabilities or other debilitating conditions will be eligible to apply for cost-of-living support.
The Government’s Household Support Fund worth £421 million has been split among councils in England.
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To help support those who are struggling, certain groups of people are eligible for free supermarket vouchers worth £240.
These can be used at six major supermarkets – Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Iceland, or Morrisons.
There is also support for up to £200 in credit or voucher codes to cover energy bills.
Others can get help to pay for essential household items known as white goods such as fridges and washing machines.
Each local authority has been given a different amount of money depending on how many residents are in need there.
It is also up to local chiefs to decide how support is offered – either via cash or vouchers and in what stages.
For example, Citizens Advice Plymouth has staggered its application windows for aid.
The windows for pensioner households and struggling families housing children under 18 can no longer apply as their windows have closed.
But from tomorrow, those with disabilities or health conditions and those living in single households will be able to make an application.
This window will be open from November 25 to December 2 and anyone eligible can apply via the Citizens Advice Plymouth website.
To qualify, you need to prove you are experiencing financial difficulty and live in Plymouth while also fulfilling the criteria of the application window.
You also can’t have received support from the HSF before.
“Many of those struggling with the cost of energy, food, and water are Disabled people feeling the worst effects of the continuing cost of living crisis,” Disability Rights UK stated.
What if I’m not in Plymouth?
Those who do not live in Plymouth will need to check to see if there is similar support on offer for them.
The HSF has been divided among numerous councils, not just Plymouth.
It all depends on where you are based and there is no set eligibility criteria for the HSF as the Government has declared it is for anyone who is vulnerable or struggling to pay for essentials.
This means if you are on benefits or on a low income you could get extra help so it is worth checking.
The best thing to do is to get in contact with your local council via www.gov.uk/find-local-council and see if you are eligible for extra support.
Derby City Council is handing out supermarket vouchers worth £125 to households in need.
Meanwhile, Darlington Council is distributing food vouchers worth £100 to families.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low-income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
In Rotherham, struggling families can get grants of £250.
Birmingham is set to get the largest share of the fund at £12.8 million due to population size and need.
Other areas will get much less with The City of London receiving just over £63,000 and The Isle of Scilly getting the smallest amount at £11,130.
The HSF is available until March next year and each council has a different application process and criteria – so you’ll have to check your council’s website.
Not all councils have decided how the support will be distributed yet but there are still a few months left on this round of the fund which was initially set up in 2021.
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