THOUSANDS of struggling families in severe financial hardship can now claim cost of living payments worth up to £500.

Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).

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The pot of cash is handed out by local councils and it varies from area to area.

The aid was set up in 2021, however it has been extended by the UK government a number of times. 

How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial circumstances. 

The Camden council in London is now offering struggling families £500 grants to fight the cost of living.

The council said the scheme is for anyone struggling to afford essentials such as food, energy bills or housing.

The deadline to apply for a HSF payment is 30 September 2024.

Read the list here to see if you are eligible:

• Be over 18, or over 16 if you live independently 
• Have lived in Camden for at least 6 weeks 
• Show that you’re in urgent financial need by providing current bank statements
• Have not applied for the fund in the last 2 months 

The council said  Camden tenants and private renters are welcome to apply for the scheme.

If you think you are eligible, you can refer yourself here.

Payments will made within three weeks of application.

The council said the Camden-funded HSF support will also be used to distribute supermarket vouchers until 30 September 2024.

If you have already received the HSF, you will get the money paid into your account automatically.

You only need to contact the council if your bank account has changed since your previous award.

What if I don’t live in Camden?

It is not only households in Camden which get access to the fund.

The Household Support Fund is worth £421million to local authorities across the country.

The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map which shows how much you can claim in your area.

Check it out by clicking the link here.

Some examples of what different areas are offering include in Plymouth, where the council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers.

This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers.

It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.

Meanwhile, in Blackpool, households with one or two people – including children – will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider.

Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.

How to know if you qualify?

Financial support available to struggling households varies from council to council, so it is worth checking what schemes your local council offers to ensure you get all the support you need. 

The benefits you already receive will not be impacted by applying for the HSF. 

And, you do not necessarily need to receive benefits in the first place  to get vouchers or funds from the HSF.

How do I apply? 

To get the help, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.

Information on how to apply for the funding should be published on your council’s website. Each council will have a different application process.

If there’s no information on your council’s website, then it’s best to ring them up and ask for more information.