THOUSANDS of households are in line to receive vouchers worth up to £138 to help with the cost of essentials like food and fuel.
A number of councils have begun issuing financial help as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) – and another has just announced its criteria.
1
The HSF was introduced in the wake of the pandemic to help Brits struggling with the spiralling cost of basic necessities amid an inflation crisis.
While inflation has calmed in recent months, prices are still increasing and the scheme was renewed for a fifth time in April.
Now Rochdale Borough Council in Greater Manchester has released information on how you can qualify for the assistance.
The council will use £2.3 million of funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to channel money into five key areas, including the Warm Homes grant and better support for job seekers.
Within the package, the authority will be issuing “superstore vouchers” for food as well as fuel vouchers to qualifying households.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Families will be automatically issued food vouchers for either Aldi or Iceland during the half-term and summer holidays if their children qualify for free school meals based on income.
These will save them £15 per week for each eligible child.
No application is needed in this case as the vouchers will be sent out via email or post.
However, further support can be accessed through the HSF programme.
The scheme is open to “anyone who is in financial need” but you will have to apply by ringing the council’s dedicated helpline on 01706 923 685.
The line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Likewise, third-party service Groundwork is working with the council to make energy affordable through the Warm Home scheme going into the winter.
Anyone with a severe health condition such as cancer or heart disease can apply, as can households with an income less than £36,000 a year or those receiving a range of benefits.
The full list of eligible conditions and benefits is available on Groundwork’s website.
You can also refer other residents to the programme if you believe they qualify.
Beyond the HSF support, the local council has allocated more money to help fund charities in the area running food banks and other support services.
Residents are able to access essentials like food, cleaning products, baby products and sanitary items at these locations.
Collectively, the vouchers and support could save struggling households £138 a month if they qualify for the full range.
What if I don’t live in Rochdale?
Those living outside of Rochdale will have to apply through their own local council – but plenty are taking part.
For example, Blackpool residents could receive support worth up to £300, while locals of Falkirk can receive reductions in council tax as well as boosted benefits on top of up to £470 in assistance.
You can find out which council runs your area on gov.uk using the online search tool.
Information on what support is available and how to apply will then be on the authority’s website.
Just be aware that the application process and eligibility criteria will differ from council to council.
If you can’t find the information you need, then you can call the council directly.