Thousands of low-income households can apply for a cash payment of £250 to help cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
The money is being offered by West Northamptonshire Council as part of the Household Support Fund to people who live in the area and are working on a low wage.
The Household Support Fund is a pot of cash provided by the Government and distributed by local councils to struggling families.
It is up to each local authority to decide how it spends its share of the money.
As well as one-off cash payments, some councils have offered money off energy bills, supermarket vouchers and grants.
The Household Support Fund has been extended three times so far, with the latest instalment worth £421million, and will run until March 2023.
Who qualifies?
You must live in West Northamptonshire, be in work and earn less than £400 a week (after tax, including any government benefits)
You are not eligible if you have received the Cost of Living Payment of £650 (paid in two lump sums of £326 and £324)
If your application is successful, you will receive an initial £125 payment, followed by another £125 payment automatically 60 days later.
You will need to provide:
- Two of your most recently monthly payslips or four of your most recent weekly wage slips (depending how you’re paid and how long you have been working for your current employer)
- Identification such as a recent bank statement, your driving licence or a recent utility bill.
West Northamptonshire Council says it can not consider applications once funds have run out.
To apply visit the council's website here and fill out the relevant form.
I don't live in Northamptonshire - what help is there for me?
To check what help is on offer where you live, type in the name of your local council into Google followed by "Household Support Fund".
Each council has set up a dedicated page on its website, explaining what help it is offering through the scheme.
For example, residents covered by North Yorkshire County Council can claim electronic vouchers worth £325 to help pay for food and other essentials at supermarkets.
Medway Council is offering food vouchers worth between £50 and £210, energy vouchers worth between £30 and £100 and water vouchers worth £50.
