Thousands will receive a £100 ‘back in their pocket’ payment from TODAY – should you pay cash?
THOUSANDS of happy households will automatically receive a £100 payment to help them with rising energy bills – and you can apply today.
It is believed that more than 16,500 homes could receive a financial boost in a bid to help them tackle the cost of living many of us are struggling with.
It is said that the bonus money is being handed over to put money “back into the pockets of those who need it most”.
The free gesture is available to the thousands of residents of Kensington in London Chelsea city districts.
To see whether your household is eligible for the €100 gift, please visit your municipality’s website apply online through them.
Applications open from 12pm today and payments will be disbursed between May 1 and May 31, 2024.
Only one payment of £100 per household is allowed.
Those who can apply include anyone receiving council tax relief, housing benefits or households receiving the housing cost element of Universal Credit.
Councilor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Finance, Customer Services and Net Zero said: “Inflation and energy costs have fallen over the past year, but we know many families are still feeling pressure on the cost of living.
“This £100 payment is money back into the pockets of those who need it most.
“Like many councils, we face tough decisions in our budget plans, but we have committed to becoming a fairer borough and by targeting support in this way we can ensure it gets to the people with the lowest incomes, where necessary.” can make the biggest difference.”
The financing is not covered by the Housing Support Fund, but is offered throughout the country.
The money will be handed out by the Department for Work and Pensions from a pot worth as much as £842 million.
It could be in the form of a direct bank transfer or shopping voucher, depending on where exactly you live.
The amounts may vary and it is up to the municipality to distribute the money.
But it is usually provided based on your financial circumstances and what benefits you receive.
It is designed to help families who struggle the most with the cost of living.
What is the Domestic Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits get through the winter amid the cost of living.
Municipalities across the country received a large portion of the available funding to distribute to Britons in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the spring budget and a third time in November to help people on the lowest incomes cope with the rising cost of living.
The DWP has confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme until March 31, 2024.
The help you can receive depends on who your municipality is and your personal situation.
But you may be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or covering the cost of your weekly shopping.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, they will not be affected by the HSF.
And you don’t have to be on benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your municipality to find out what support is available and what the eligibility criteria are.
Thousands of households in East Surrey are eligible for up to £350, while those living in Dudley can get up to £275.
Buckinghamshire Council has also extended their support after receiving £4.8 million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
For example, those living in West Devon received up to £400.
How to apply
To get the help, you will need to contact your municipality, as local authorities are responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your municipality, use the gov.uk council seeker.
Contact them and see if they offer the money.
If you are the tenant or owner of the property and receive housing benefit or tax relief from the municipality, you do not need to do anything.
You will receive the payment automatically because your bank details are already registered with the municipality.
However, if you receive Universal Credit Housing Allowance, you will need to apply for the Low Income Support Payment through the council.
All links must be found online.
Registrations are open and payments will be made in May.