Struggling households can get £350 income boost to help with food, bills and school uniforms – see if you’re eligible

PROBLEM households can get a £350 increase in income to cover the cost of food, bills and school uniforms.

The cost of living crisis has forced people to tighten their wallets.

first

But those on low incomes can get extra help – and no refunds are required.

Help came from the Household Support Fund, worth £842 million.

The money came from the Government that distributed it among councils in England.

They then decide how to share their share of the fund.

That means what you can get depends on where you live, but in most cases help is provided to people with low incomes or subsidies.

The type of assistance offered also varies – some local governments offer food vouchers or utility bills while others make bank transfers.

For example, people living in Sheffield can get £350 free cash.

Money can be used for:

• food and home hygiene (groceries, toiletries, baby essentials, etc.)
• telephony and broadband (mobile phone, recharge, broadband charges, etc.)
• gas and electricity
• clothing, including school uniforms
• White goods
• broader non-energy and water related necessities, if the local government considers this appropriate in your area

You cannot use the money to advise on debt, mortgage costs, statutory activities, or rent or housing debt.

To register, residents can access and fill out a form.

You will need to show bank statements for the last 30 days for every adult in your household.

If you qualify, the money will be sent via bank transfer.

If you are not eligible, you can appeal the decision by contacting Sheffield City Council and asking them to review your application.

Can I get help if I don’t live in Sheffield?

Yes you can. But what you can get depends on where you live as each council has been given a single share of the £842million.

For example, households in Torridge line up to receive payments worth up to £1,000.

And those living in Durham can get £150 in free cash to buy food and other essential bills.

Alternatively, people living in North Somerset can get £120 to cover supermarket costs.

£120 will be paid in two installments – one in summer and one in winter.

The application process also varies from region to region.

The best thing to do is to contact your local council to see what help is available and if any action is required.

You can do this using the Government locator found on their website.

But you might want to be quick as the competition for the fund is fierce and once the board has used up its share there is no more.

That said, the Household Support Fund has been renewed several times since it first launched in October 2021, so it could be renewed again when the current batch ends, in May 3 years 2024.

What other help is available?

Millions of people also lined up to receive living expenses payments worth up to £1,350.

The first part of the £900 payment has been paid to millions of people for certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

Meanwhile, a £150 payment and a £150 to £300 payout will be made to millions of people with disabilities and pensioners this month.

You may be entitled to a £150 living expense payment if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Attendance allowance
• Continuous attendance allowance
• Disability living allowance for adults
• Living allowance for children with disabilities
• Individual independent payment
• Adult Disability Allowance (in Scotland)
• Child Disability Allowance (in Scotland)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• War pension migration supplement

Additionally, pensioners receiving the Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2023/24 will receive an additional £150 or £300 paid in addition to their usual payment from November this year.

You will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.

Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling how much money they will receive.

Energy providers also offer a variety of energy programs and grants to help you if you are struggling.

Here is a list of plans open right now:

• UK Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Families Foundation
• British Gas Energy Trust
• Customer Support Fund EDF
• E.ON and E.ON’s Next Sponsorship
• Octopus Energy Foundation
• OVO Energy
• Scotland’s Power Hardship Fund

There is a one-time fuel voucher from your energy provider if you are using a prepaid meter.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk