Hard-up households have just one day to apply for bill support worth £225
HARD-UP households have just one day left to apply for a free cash grant to help with energy bills and other costs.
Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
The aid was set up in 2021, however, it has been extended by the UK government a number of times.
How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial circumstances.
The pot of cash is handed out by local councils and it varies from area to area.
In Tandridge, hard-pressed households could be eligible for support worth up to £225.
Grants are available to households even if they have received a grant from this fund before.
Successful applicants will receive their payments after the Christmas holidays.
How much you get depends on factors such as how many children you have in your household.
For example, eligible households without children will receive £125.
While eligible households with children under 19 will receive £225.
However, if you are keen to apply you need to act quickly as the deadline for applications ends on, Sunday, December 15.
That gives households just one day to apply.
Residents can apply online at www.tandridge.gov.uk/supportfund or call 01883 722000.
To apply, residents must upload three bank statements (from September to November 2024) showing all transactions; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Those applying by phone will need to bring their documents to the Council Offices in Oxted.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN TANDRIDGE?
What you can get depends on where you live and what support is available.
Each local council receives a portion of the £421million fund, which is then distributed to residents based on need.
Some councils may provide direct cash payments, while others issue vouchers to help cover essentials like energy or food.
How the money is distributed will vary, so it’s important to check with your local authority.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU QUALIFY
Financial support available to struggling households varies from council to council, so it is worth checking what schemes your local council offers to ensure you get all the support you need.
The benefits you already receive will not be impacted by applying for the HSF.
And, you do not necessarily need to receive benefits in the first place to get vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.