Thousands of households to get up to £100 in extra cost of living payments – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of families in the UK could get an extra cost of living payment of up to £100 this summer for help with essential costs.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times by the government.
The latest round of funding is worth £421million to councils in England.
The fund is shared between councils across the country who distribute the money to the most vulnerable in their local area.
But because each region has been allocated a different share of the HSF, what you can get depends on where you live.
Around 40,000 households in Nottinghamshire are expected to be eligible for the £6.5million Nottinghamshire County Council has been allocated.
Councillor Gordon Wheeler, Deputy cabinet member for communities and public health said: “It is good news that the government has extended this funding for a further six months.
“Working with a wide range of partners, we will once again make sure this funding goes to those who need it the most, including those who may not be eligible for other government support and are in need of essential items such as ovens and fridges.
“Given the high level of help, support, guidance provided by Citizens Advice to many residents impacted by rising costs, £75,000 is being invested into this charity organisation to help them to continue this vital work.
“Later this summer we will be in direct contact with those who are eligible for this financial support, so we thank everyone in advance for their patience.”
Those eligible for the £100 one-off payments are expected to receive them later this summer.
Residents in the area may also qualify for additional support if they meet extra requirements.
Approximately £1.55million will be distributed to households with children in receipt of free school meals, or with children five or under with an equivalent eligibility.
Another £1.55million will be shared amongst 15,500 households where one or more person receives or is eligible for Pension Credit.
Around £250,000 will be used as discretionary housing payments to help those at risk of being homeless.
The council has said £75,000 of the funds will be invested into Citizens Advice to help it continue its essential advice and support service for residents across the county.
Another £1.55million is to be shared among any other households impacted by rising costs, particularly those who may not be eligible for other government support, plus an additional £300,000 is being set aside to help buy white goods live ovens or fridges.
Applications for this share of the funds will be determined by front-line workers such as housing officers or social workers.
Families in receipt of free school meals or Pension Credit will be contacted directly by the county council with details of how to apply for a seasonal payment.
Front-line workers will help identify other households most in need via a referral process.
More information on specific conditions for each element of the scheme is available at www.nottscc.gov.uk/householdsupportfund.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
THE Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £500million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Chancellor Jeremey Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Nottinghamshire?
Help may still be available to you if you don’t live in Nottinghamshire but it will depend on where you live.
Each council is distributing their share of the HSF differently.
However, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, are classed as vulnerable or are on benefits, you will likely qualify for help.
The HSF was recently extended in the Government’s Spring Budget until September and some councils have already opened for applications.
For example, Hertfordshire Council is offering vulnerable households up to £500 depending on their circumstances and level of need.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
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