HUNDREDS of struggling households could receive direct payments worth hundreds of pounds into their bank accounts this winter.

The cash support is available through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).

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Earlier this month, the government extended the scheme for the sixth time, releasing £421 million to be distributed among councils. 

This funding will be allocated to vulnerable residents from now until March 2025.

Each local authority gets a different proportion of cash depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and number of vulnerable households.

This means the voucher or grants on offer will vary by location, so you must check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.

For example, struggling residents and families who live in Torridge can apply for free cash grants directly to bank accounts worth £100s.

These grants can be used to help households with their energy and water bills.

Others may be eligible for cash vouchers to be spent on food at their local supermarket.

Torridge Council says that the fund can also be used to help hard-up households pay for new white goods, including fridges, freezers, ovens and slow cookers.

It added that in exceptional circumstances, the fund could also help those with emergency housing costs.

During the previous round of the council’s Household Support Fund, the local authority assisted 247 individuals after receiving £192,000 from the central government.

In the scheme’s sixth round, Torridge District Council has been allocated £210,000 to distribute to residents most in need.

To be eligible for the latest round of funding, you must be experiencing some form of financial hardship.

To find out more and apply, visit bpag-encompass.org.uk/projects/torridge-household-fund/.

As part of the application, you’ll need to include your name, email address and National Insurance number.

You’ll also be expected to explain what type of support you require and a detailed description of your financial situation.

What if I don’t live in Torridge?

What you can get depends on where you live and what support is available.

Each local council receives a portion of the £421million fund, which is then distributed to residents based on need.

Some councils may provide direct cash payments, while others issue vouchers to help cover essentials like energy or food.

How the money is distributed will vary, so it’s important to check with your local authority.

For example, Birmingham City Council has announced £200 payments to help residents with winter costs.

Other councils, like Coventry, have offered community supermarket schemes, where households can pay £5 a week and get a basket of food worth up to £25.

However, there are changes to the scheme this time around.

Some councils have introduced monthly caps on funding, meaning once the allocated amount for the month is spent, applications are paused until the following month.

This is to ensure that everyone has a chance to receive support, but it does mean you should apply as soon as possible.

Who’s generally eligible for the scheme?

The Household Support Fund is designed to help households in financial difficulty, particularly those on low incomes or those who don’t qualify for other forms of government assistance.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet due to rising living costs, you could be eligible for support.

The criteria you need to meet will vary depending on where you live.

You’ll likely need to prove your financial hardship when applying.

This can include showing evidence of your income, benefits or other forms of support you’re currently receiving.

For example, if you’re receiving Universal Credit or a council tax reduction, you could qualify.

But even if you’re not on benefits, you may still be able to get help if you can demonstrate financial hardship.

Do I need to apply?

Applications for the Household Support Fund are handled by your local council, and the process can vary depending on where you live.

Most councils offer online application forms, but if you need help completing an application, you can call your council’s customer service centre for assistance.

To apply, you’ll need to provide details such as your National Insurance number and may need to submit bank statements or benefit evidence.

If you’re applying for a family member or someone else, there’s also an option to upload supporting documents like benefit letters or pay slips to prove eligibility.

Some councils, such as Haringey, are issuing automatic payments to eligible residents, while others require residents to apply directly.

If you’re unsure of the process in your area, it’s best to check your local council’s website.