HOUSEHOLDS will be able to get free cash from now to help with the rising cost of living.
The free cash comes as part of the Household Support Fund – a government scheme that helps struggling bill payers.
Here’s how you could claim up to £90 in free cash
Councils across England are getting their share of a £421million cash pot put towards helping those on a low income.
Each area will decide what the cash is used for and to whom it is dished out.
That means who’s eligible for help is different depending on where you are, but the money is usually given to households on low incomes to help pay for food, energy bills and other essential items.
Now, Burnley Council has announced it’s offering residents up to £90.
Who’s eligible?
If you’re on a low income and think you might be eligible for help from Burnley Council, there’s certain criteria you have to meet.
You’ll need to be a resident in the Borough of Burnley, be receiving council tax support and have a child aged four or under.
You can also be eligible if you made an application for council tax support in 2020, but got rejected due to slightly higher income than the threshold.
You can also get it if you didn’t receive the £650 cost of living payment, and you’re only be eligible for housing benefit.
But keep in mind how much money you receive will depend on your circumstances – £90 is the maximum.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply to get this funding. You’ll be automatically sent a letter if you’re eligible.
However, don’t worry if you don’t get a letter at the same time as someone else – they won’t all be sent out at the same time.
Burnley Council has said it is aiming to send all letters out over six weeks – which began the first week of December.
When you get your letter, there will be a barcode to scan at your local Post Office.
This will be exchanged for a maximum £90 in cash.
However, you don’t have to exchange it for cash – you can also keep the barcode and use it to pay off bills or credit it directly to your bank account.
If you want to do that, you’ll need to take your bill or bank account details to the Post Office with you.
You should also take one of the following to confirm your identity:
- Council Tax bill for 2022/23
- Bank statement confirming your address from the last three months
- Utility bill from the last three months
- Rent statement or book from the last three months
- Mortgage statement from the last three months
You can also have a family member or carer collect your payment for you, but they must also bring your letter and identification documents.
What about if I don’t live in Burnley?
If you don’t live in Burnley you could be in line for help through your local council.
You should check on your council’s website, or give them a call to find out if you’re eligible.
The best way to find out what council area you fall under is by using the government’s council locator found on its website.
You might have to be quick if you want help though.
While the deadline for councils to hand out the latest tranche of HSF cash support is March 31, 2023, it’s done on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Eligibility for the fund depends on where you live, although it’s usually given to people on low incomes or benefits.
So if you’re receiving Universal Credit for example you might be able to apply.
In Guildford, for example, residents could get up to £400 to help out with the cost of living.
Bradford Council residents are being offered £65 directly into their accounts – but only if they receive a council tax reduction.
And Luton claimants can get up to £500 for food and fuel.
