The government has reopened its multi-million pound Hardship Fund in response to the economic impact of the pandemic. If you are a low-income household or on benefits, you can apply for this assistance and receive up to £145.
What is the Hardship Fund Scheme?
The Hardship Support Fund (HSF) is a government initiative intended to provide financial assistance to families facing financial hardship. The £842 million fund is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions. Allocations to eligible households are due to be achieved by the end of September.
Under the programme, every local council is allocated a share of the funds to be distributed to needy families with an annual income of less than £50,000. For instance, residents of Windsor and Maidenhead can apply for help with food and energy costs.
The City Council recently announced an additional £587,905 from the DWP's Household Support Fund. If you are struggling to pay your food, rent or energy bills, you may be eligible for this help.
Who is Eligible for the Hardship Fund?
Eligibility for the Household Support Fund depends on where you live, as each council decides its own eligibility criteria. But, generally, you will qualify if you are on benefits such as Universal Credit or if you are on a low income.
The application process will also vary depending on where you live, so you should contact your local council to find out more. You can find out which area you live in by using the government's council locator on its website.
The actual amount you receive, whether it's an energy voucher or a direct bank transfer, depends on where you live in England.
How to Apply
Councils have partnered with several charities to identify families in need. To apply, you will need to contact one of the following community partners:
- Abri
- Citizens Advice East Berkshire (CAEB)
- Housing Solutions
- RBWM Housing Service
- Age Concern Windsor
- West Windsor Hub (WWH)
- Baby Bank
- Maidenhead Foodshare
- Windsor Foodshare
- NHS Frimley social prescribing service
- Maidenhead United FC Community Trust
- Optalis
- Achieving for Children
After your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a unique reference number and a link to the online application form. You will receive funds into your bank account within five working days of your application being approved.
Keep in mind that funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. So make sure you apply before 30 September or until the fund is exhausted.
Other Support Available
There are other ways to get financial help if you don't qualify for the Household Support Fund. For example, some energy companies offer grants to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
In Scotland, Scottish Power offers grants of up to £750 to vulnerable customers in receipt of certain benefits, including Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.
E.ON and Npower also offer cash grants to their customers, the amount of which depends on individual circumstances.