Still weeks to go before thousands of people can apply for up to £500 in cash before the scheme closes
THOUSANDS of Brits have just weeks to get their hands on up to £500 in free cash.
The end is approaching for the multi-million dollar program launched to help struggling families cope with the cost of living crisis.
The funding comes as part of the Household Support Fund, which is provided from an £842 million pot provided by 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.
Those living in the South Ribble area of Lancashire have until the middle of next month to apply for help.
The municipality says it wants to offer help with energy, water and internet bills; heating and lighting; broader daily necessities such as soap or boiler repairs; and support with transportation – such as repairing a car or paying for public transport.
South Ribble Borough Council said people who have received the maximum available amount of living expenses from the UK government could get £300, and those who haven't could get £500.
Local residents have until March 15 to apply for the funding.
People across the country have been able to rely on the fund since it 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 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.
How do you apply?
To get 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.
Once you've found your municipality, there should be information on the website about how to apply for the funding.
Each municipality has a different application process, so the exact details of how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
This means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund may also vary. For more information, it is best to contact your municipality.
Some municipalities do not require you to apply for the assistance and will instead contact you if you qualify.
If there is no information on your council's website, it is best to call them and ask for more information.
Thousands of households in East Surrey were eligible for up to £350, while those living in Dudley could get up to £275.
Buckinghamshire Council had also extended their support after receiving £4.8 million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
And those living in West Devon received up to £400.