Thousands of households to get up to £350 worth of support ahead of winter bills rises – can you claim?
THOUSANDS of struggling households could get up to £350 in support to help cover essential bills this winter.
The Household Support Fund has been set up to offer urgent financial assistance to families who are finding it hard to keep up with the rising costs of food, gas, and electricity.
The fund, backed by the Department for Work and Pensions, could be a lifeline as winter approaches.
Here’s what you need to know about how it works, who’s eligible, and how you can claim.
The scheme provides vouchers to those in need – not cash payments – to help cover the costs of essentials. If your application is approved, you could receive food vouchers and energy support.
The food vouchers are worth up to £100 per adult (capped at two adults) and £50 per child (capped at three children), valid in all major supermarkets for up to six months.
Energy support vouchers are worth up to £98 for gas and £98 for electricity – especially helpful if you’re on a pre-payment meter.
The scheme has been put in place to help Somerset residents struggling to keep up with costs.
Remember, these vouchers must be redeemed within five days of receipt to avoid them expiring.
What is HSF?
The Household Support Fund is a government initiative designed to help families with the rising cost of living.
First introduced in October 2021, the scheme has been extended five times, with councils across the UK receiving a portion of a £421million pot to distribute to those in need.
The support available varies by location, but it could include supermarket vouchers, energy bill support, or even cash grants.
WHO CAN APPLY?
People struggling with costs can apply if they:
- Are temporarily out of work, unable to work due to illness, or unemployed long-term.
- Are over the age of 16, living independently in Somerset (note: residents in North Somerset must apply through North Somerset Council).
- Have a household income of between £0 and £1,484 per month (or £17,809 per year), excluding certain benefits.
- Are carers, pregnant, suffering from a chronic illness, or have a child with special needs.
The good news is that you don’t need to be on benefits to apply.
This fund is open to a wide range of people struggling with their finances, including those who:
You’re also eligible if you’re receiving support from Somerset Council services, fleeing domestic abuse, homeless and placed in temporary accommodation, or a refugee.
However, if you have savings over £2,000, you won’t qualify for this fund.
Applications are only available online and must be submitted by September 30, 2024 for the current round.
But don’t worry if you miss the deadline – the fund has been extended, and there will be more opportunities to apply for support until April 2025.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply by following these simple steps:
Create an Account: If it’s your first time, you’ll need to create an account on the Auriga Services website. If you’ve applied before, simply log in with your existing details.
Upload ID and Proof of Income: Make sure you have two forms of ID ready, such as a bank statement or a driving licence, and proof of income like a Universal Credit statement or a payslip.
Complete the Online Form: Once logged in, fill out the application with your details and submit it.
If you can’t apply online or need help, check the ‘Help to Apply’ section on the Somerset Council website, where you can find contact details for further assistance.
If you’re not sure what help you can get in your area you can use the interactive map to see what support is available near you.
Thousands of households across Somerset could benefit from this extended support, so don’t delay – check if you’re eligible and apply today to get help with your winter bills.
Meanwhile, in Blackpool, households with one or two people – including children – will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider.
Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.