The government has boosted the Household Support Fund by £421 million and extended it to the end of March. The money is intended to help low-income families cover essential everyday living expenses during the cost of living crisis.
Nottingham City Council has received just over £3.5 million in the latest round of Household Support Fund money, taking its total allocation to nearly £10.7 million. Nottinghamshire County Council, meanwhile, has been awarded another £5.6 million.
The extension of the Household Support Fund comes ahead of a difficult winter for struggling households, faced with soaring energy bills and rising prices on a whole host of essential purchases. Here’s how you can get help from the Household Support Fund.
READ MORE: DWP full list of cost of living payment dates from now until Christmas
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a government fund offering help to people struggling to cover the cost of basic living costs. These costs can include heating, rent, food and clothing.
A total of nearly £1.3 billion has so far been allocated to the Household Support Fund since it was launched last April. The fund is part of the government’s efforts to help poorer households cope with the cost of living crisis.
“The Household Support Fund has been an important Government support scheme for many of those in need over the past year, and I’m very pleased that our decision to extend it means it will continue to help people with the costs of essentials - including food and energy - this winter,” said DWP minister Victoria Prentis.
Who is eligible for the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is intended for people on a low income who would otherwise struggle to pay for essential expenses. Exact eligibility criteria will vary, however, depending on your local authority.
How to apply for the Household Support Fund
To apply for the Household Support Fund, you should contact your local council to learn more about what support is available and who’s eligible for it. If you’re not sure which council you come under, you can find out by entering your postcode into the government’s online tool.
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