1,000s to get an automatic payment of £100 'back in the pocket' to help with energy costs
THOUSANDS of households will receive an automatic £100 payment to help with rising energy costs.
More than 16,500 homes are likely to get the money back in a bid to help them ease cost-of-living pressures.
The money is available to people living in the London neighborhoods of Kensington and Chelsea.
You will be able to apply via the municipality's website from March 2 at 12 noon.
Each household is only eligible for one payment of £100 each.
Those eligible include anyone receiving council tax relief, housing benefits and households receiving the housing cost element of Universal Credit.
Cllr 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.”
Although this funding is not part of the Housing Support Fund, it is still offered across the country.
The support comes from an £842 million pot from the Department for Work and Pensions.
What you can get depends on where you live, but the money can be in the form of an instant money transfer or shopping vouchers.
The amounts vary and it is up to the municipality how the money is distributed.
The fund is usually distributed based on your financial circumstances and the benefits you receive.
It is designed to help the neediest families struggling with the cost of living.
But what is the Domestic Support Fund and how do you apply for the help? Below we explain everything you need to know.
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.
Councils across the country were given a share of the £842 million funding available to hand out to Brits 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 do you apply?
To get help, you will need to contact your municipality as local authorities are responsible for distributing funding.
To find your municipality, use the gov.uk council seeker.