Households alerted to one-off payments to help with cost of living pressures
Families may be able to get cost of living support.(Image: Rob Browne)
Households may not be aware they could be able to claim cost of living support from their local council.
Money is available from the Household Support Fund (HSF), and people don’t need to be claiming benefits in order to apply.
The HSF is a pot of cash designed to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable families and individuals.
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It is targeted at those who are struggling the most, and who may not be able to afford basic essentials.
It is likely the majority of these people will be claiming some form of benefits.
But anyone can apply, and applications are judged on a case-by-case basis.
Birmingham City Council offers £200 grants, while local authorities in some areas may pay out more.
Families could also access other forms of support like food vouchers.
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Authorities run their HSF schemes in different ways, so it’s worth checking full details on the HSF sections of their websites.
Households may not be able to apply if they have received HSF help over the previous 12 months.
The Government says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council.
“This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills; food; essential items.
“Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
“Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials.
“You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.”