STRUGGLING Brits could be thrown a lifeline over the next few months as applications for a free support grant have opened.
The potentially life-saving grant, worth up to £240, is part of the government’s Household Support Fund – a pot of money that is given to every council to help residents with everyday essentials.
Each council is given a certain amount of money depending on how many people live in their county and can decide how the money is spent.
The grants are a welcome helping-hand as those who receive one will not be required to pay them back.
Wokingham Borough Council opened applications in December and will keep them open until March 2024.
On their website, they said: “Wokingham Borough residents who are struggling to pay for essentials during the cost of living crisis could get a grant of up to £240 to help with the cost of food, fuel and other essentials.
“The autumn round of Household Support Fund grants has now opened.
“The funding helps anyone struggling with low income or who is unable to afford essentials like food and fuel, as well as families that receive means-tested free school meals.”
The fund is available for residents that are not part of a household where children receive means-tested free school meals.
It’s also available for carers, disabled people, households with pensioners or households that have four or more people living there.
All other homes can claim up to £120 to help with energy, food and other daily essentials.
Wokingham council has also said that it will pay even more to households that will be spending more money on energy and food.
Amy Garstang, manager at Wokingham United Charities and chair of the Hardship Alliance, said: “Winter is a more expensive time of year for people due to needing to keep their homes warm to keep them healthy.
“Bumping payments up for the winter makes sense to ensure residents have the right amount to support them for these more expensive winter months.
“Check the Government’s Help for Households pages for advice on saving energy this winter.”
To apply for the funds residents are told to call Citizens advice Wokingham One Front Door on 0808 278 7958.
Residents can also apply on the Citizens Advice Wokingham website, calling Age UK Berkshire on 0118 959 4242 or emailing Age UK Berkshire.
To check what you’re entitled to if you do not live in Wokingham, all you need to do is head to www.gov.uk > Home > Benefits > Benefits and financial support if you’re on a low income.
The support fund was started in October 2021 but has been continually extended ever since, with the most recent allocation total being £842million.
If council’s do not spend all of the money allocated by the end of March this year then any funds left over are returned to the Goverment.
