Hard-up families in Worcester eligible for financial assistance
Thousands of Brits in Worcester are set to receive a £500 payment directly into their bank accounts through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF). This financial assistance is part of a £842 million fund provided by the Department of Work and Pensions to help cash-strapped families. Eligibility for grants depends on location, so it is important to check with your local council for details on how much you can receive and how the payment will be made.
Extended support until April 2024
The Household Support Fund was originally scheduled to end in March 2022. However, it has been extended until April 2024, providing households with further support. Low-income earners can benefit from this £500 payment to help alleviate the cost of living crisis.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the £500 payment, you must be a permanent resident of Worcestershire and have an income of no more than £31,000. Additionally, your household should have no savings. It is also important that someone in your household has some form of vulnerability, such as a disability, long-term health condition, or unmanageable debt. Pensioners who receive pension credit may have already received a one-off payment.
Support outside of Worcester
If you do not live in Worcester, you can inquire with your local council about the support available through the Household Support Fund. Residents of Dudley could receive up to £275 from next month, while eligible households in Bracknell Forest can receive £195. In Nottinghamshire, thousands of residents will be given £100 in free cash. If you are not eligible for this funding, there may be other forms of assistance available to you, such as a cost of living payment of up to £1,350.
Government payments in 2022 and beyond
The government will be distributing payments to millions of people throughout 2022 and into 2024. Individually, these payments are worth £900, £300, and £150. Some individuals may be eligible for all three, resulting in a total payment of £1,350. The £900 Cost of Living payment is divided into three instalments of £301, £300, and £299. The second instalment of £300 will be distributed from October 31. A separate £300 pensioner Cost of Living payment will follow in November, although the exact date is yet to be announced. Additionally, the £150 Warm Home Discount will be applied starting from October 16.
