Many are being encouraged to keep one eye firmly on their letterbox, just in case they receive a letter outlining how to get £450 for free.
With the grey looming cloud that is the cost of living crisis, most of us have been forced to be cautious with our pennies.
It can feel like a never-ending battle, but help is available for those who need it via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The HSF scheme was launched in October 2023, and is worth an eye-watering £842 million.
But it’s not up for grabs for just anybody, its a pot to help people on lower incomes as the pressure of the cost of living continues to grow.
Households eligible for the Household Support Fund in Oxfordshire could receive up to £450 for free
The Household Support Fund is set up to help various households that are low income. The help available is dependent on area, how many people live there and how in need you are
The intention of the scheme is to help a wide range of low income households that are in need, including families with children of all ages, unpaid carers, pensioners, care leavers and disabled people.
The funding received by every council across the country varies and it is entirely based on the population, necessity and the area.
The grants or vouchers that can be received by recipients also differ depending on where you are based, so if you wondering what support you may be entitled to, you should check with your council.
If you receive any of the following support, you will not be eligible to receive the Household Support Fund:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension credit
If you are eligible for HSF you will receive a letter this summer, regarding information on how to get the grant.
Eligible residents in Oxfordshire County Council could get up to £450, depending on their situation.
Oxfordshire council stated the HSF is being granted to homes who did not receive the cost of living payment, which was a sum of £900, from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).
How you receive HSF will vary depending on the county you live in. Most areas receive the grant via vouchers or bank transfer
You may receive fuel vouchers, supermarket vouchers or a one off payment
What am I entitled to?
As previously mentioned, support available to you is entirely dependent on where you reside.
Every council is dishing out their portion of the Household Support Fund separately and in varying ways.
In some areas, some habitants will get their grant via bank transfer, while others may receive theirs in the form of a voucher.
For instance, those who are eligible and residing in West Devon will receive two direct payments worth £400.
One-off payments, fuel vouchers as well as supermarket vouchers are the usual types of help provided with the HSF.
Some councils are yet to begin the application process for funding. Therefore, if you are unsure about what you are entitled to in your area you should check with your local council.
You can use this website to find out which local council you belong to.
Can I get the cost of living payment?
If you are not entitled to the HSF grant there is no need to fear as there are other forms of help available.
Individuals in receipt of certain benefits are entitled to a cost of living payment, worth £900.
The £900 is set to be dished out during the year and if you get any of the following you will be eligible:
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has yet to provide concrete dates, however the payment will be made in three separate payouts.
The first instalment of £301 was set to land between April and May.
A second sum of £300 will arrive for those eligible in Autumn, with the third and final payment of £299 to be made around Spring 2024, according to The Sun.
If you are not entitled to the HSF, there are other forms of help available including the cost of living payment, council tax reductions, hardship grants and more
Is there any other help available?
A cost of living payment and the HSF aren’t the only types of help on offer during these precarious times.
There are various hardship and grants to help if you are really feeling under financial pressure.
Greggs offer a hardship grant, available to households in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Teesside.
With this grant you can receive washing machines, cookers, or a small kitchen appliance voucher, depending on your needs. Items received do not come with installations.
Energy companies also offer grants, Scottish Power hands over up tp £750 to homes who are struggling.
The majority of hardships funds are open throughout the year.
Many people may also be entitled to a council tax cut but are totally unaware.
If you live in a household of only students you could be exempt from paying council tax altogether.
If you live on your own, or you are the only adult cohabiting with a student or an adult that is categorized as severely mentally impaired then you could be eligible for 25% off of your council tax bill.
Those receiving a pension are also entitled to have their council billed lowered. If they also get the Guarantee Credit then they may not have to pay council tax at all.
There are a range of support schemes available including help with childcare costs and fueling your house this winter.
For more information on eligibility and support with living costs visit the UK government website here.
