THERE are just hours left for thousands of households to apply for a one-off payment of up to £250.
The cash grant is given out as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) to help families with essential daily costs like food and energy bills.
The government gives councils up and down the country a slice of funding available to dish out to Brits in need, with each local authority getting a different proportion of cash.
The payments are made through vouchers or grants – and the amount people can receive varies by location, so you must check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
The national scheme was renewed for the fifth time in April 2024, with more and more councils now sharing their local scheme’s criteria.
In Portsmouth, thousands of residents could receive up to £250 in free cash.
The council launched three application windows for the HSF – and the third one is closing in just a few hours.
If you’re eligible for the scheme, you will need to apply by midday today.
Bear in mind that not everyone will receive the full amount of £250, as some people will only get £150.
There are several eligibility criteria – and if you meet one of them, you will get £150.
However, if you meet two or more criteria, you will receive £250, the council said.
Eligible groups include low-income carers, single adults on a low income and households with illness or disability.
You can apply for the funding if you meet at least one of the following criteria.
Households can apply for the cash grant online by visiting www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/help-and-support/money-advice/household-support-fund.
If you can’t apply online or upload proof of your circumstances, you can apply by calling us on 023 9268 8010.
Portsmouth Council is not the only local authority that’s closing applications early.
For example, applications for the HSF are also closing at 5pm today in Doncaster.
Households in Canterbury can also get up to £250 through the HSF, but residents only have until September 20 to apply.
Always make sure you’re aware of the deadline when applying for the HSF – usually, it’s recommended to apply sooner rather than later, as occasionally councils may close applications early.
Portsmouth Council wrote on its official website: “You must submit your application by 12:00 noon on 13 September 2024.
“Due to limited funding, the voucher scheme may close earlier than this, if all the funds have been given out.”
The council said it also offers different types of support to struggling residents such as food banks, community pantries and energy bills help.
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.
To get financial help under the Household Support Fund, you’ll need to check with your council, as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Once you’ve found your council, there should be information on how to apply on its website.
Each council will have a different application process – so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
That means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund could also vary.
Some councils won’t require you to apply for the help and they’ll contact you about it instead if you qualify.
If there’s no information on your council’s website, then it’s best to ring them up and ask for more information.
Residents in Blackpool can receive up to £300 in support from the Household Support Fund.
Those living in Bracknell Forest could be eligible for a £315 cash grant.
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household.
Those living in Falkirk in receipt of a council tax reduction, housing benefit, Universal Credit, income support, jobseekers allowance or pension credit can apply for up to £470 in cash support.
Middlesborough is awarding hard-up families up to £70.
Rutland County Council will provide one payment of £200 to care leavers this month.
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