Thousands of households are expected to receive their portion of a £421 million UK bank boost intended to assist with basic expenses.
UK Bank Boost: Government Expands Household Support Fund to Aid Low-Income Households
The Government's Household Support Fund, facilitating English authorities in aiding impoverished citizens, has undergone a significant expansion.
In fact, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed the most recent £421 million cash infusion in his spring budget; it is a component of a larger £500 million support package for households throughout the United Kingdom.
Councils now have until September 30th to allocate their portion among low-income residents.
Local authorities in Yorkshire and the Humber must divide £47,046,422 among themselves, while councils in the East Midlands have been awarded £34,568,744.
The North East councils have been awarded £24,202,622, while the South West has been given £37,564,628 to donate to residents in need.
The largest portion of the most recent financing tranche, £67,871,40, has been given to London councils to distribute to eligible homes.
Application Process and Payout Details
The eligibility requirements for the Household Support Fund are determined by each council; therefore, they differ based on where you live.
On the other hand, if you have a low income or are receiving benefits like Universal Credit, you will typically be eligible.
The application process differs based on your location as well, so you should contact your council for more information.
By using the council location function available on its website, you may determine which council area you are a part of.
Depending on where you live in England, you might actually receive energy vouchers or a direct bank transfer of cash.
For instance, in the most recent round, certain Herefordshire households were eligible for direct cash payments of £250.
Kent families were given the opportunity to pay for their energy bills with virtual prepaid cards worth £100 in earlier rounds.
Supermarket coupons valued at £150 were also being given out by Dorset Council and Portsmouth City Council.
It's important to note that you might have to wait, since some councils may not have launched applications for the current round yet.
Furthermore, each council has a certain amount of funds that can be used up at any time, so even if you are eligible to submit a claim, you should apply as soon as you can.
What Further Resources are Available?
There are alternative options available if the Household Support Fund isn't your best option. In fact, many energy companies provide grants to their clients who are having trouble paying their bills.
Customers who qualify for certain benefits, such as Income Support, Pension Credit, and Employment and Support Allowance, can get grants from Scottish Power worth up to £750.
Customers in need can get financial subsidies from Octopus Energy and E.ON, albeit the amount varies depending on the individual's situation.
It's also a good idea to see if you are eligible for any government programmes that lower energy costs.
For instance, the UK's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) aims to combat fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions.
Households receiving specific benefits, such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and Child Tax Credit, are eligible for it.
Additionally, the house you reside in must have an energy efficiency grade of D–G.