Thousands of households in the UK will receive £125 in free cash this month, with others having the opportunity to apply for the payment. The money comes from the Household Support Fund (HSF), a government initiative worth £842 million. Reading Borough Council is the latest council to join the scheme, following in the footsteps of Dorset. The amount of money each household is entitled to varies depending on their location, but generally, the help is targeted towards those on a low income or receiving benefits such as Universal Credit. Some councils are providing bank transfers, while others are offering food or utility bill vouchers as assistance.
Reading Borough Council's support
Reading Borough Council will provide support to two groups of people: households with children receiving free school meals and care leavers. This is the second £125 voucher being distributed by the council, with the first being sent out in June. Eligible recipients will automatically receive the voucher from December and will have until February 29 of next year to redeem it at a post office. However, it is important to note that the voucher will be void after this date. Those who do not qualify for the payment may still be eligible for financial assistance by applying to the council between December and March. Priority will be given to low-income households facing financial difficulties. To apply for help in Reading, you can visit the council's website and provide the necessary information.
Who else can get help?
Even if you do not live in the areas mentioned above, you may still be eligible for assistance. In most cases, if you receive benefits such as Universal Credit or Income Support, you may qualify for help through the HSF. To find out what is available in your local area, it is recommended to contact your local council. If you are unsure which local authority area you fall under, you can use the government's locator tool on its website by entering your postcode.
Other forms of financial assistance
In addition to the Household Support Fund, there are other avenues of financial help available. Many pensioners are set to receive a Winter Fuel Payment during the colder months. The distribution of this cash boost began on November 1 and is expected to be completed by the end of December. To qualify for the payment, you must have been born on or before September 25, 1957, and have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 18 to 24, 2023, known as the qualifying week. Some councils across the country are also offering direct assistance to residents facing financial challenges.
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