One-Off Payments of Up to £300 Now Available for Energy Bills Amid Cost of Living Crisis
Families struggling with rising energy costs can now access one-off payments of up to £300 through the Household Support Fund, a national scheme managed by the government’s Department for Works and Pensions (DWP). This initiative aims to provide crucial financial assistance to vulnerable households during the ongoing Cost of Living crisis.
The Household Support Fund is designed to help those in urgent need of support with their escalating living expenses. Specifically targeting Blackpool residents, the fund offers short-term financial aid to address immediate needs and assist with household energy costs, reported Birmingham Live.
The current fund is available until September 30, 2024, although the scheme may close earlier if the allocated funds are depleted. The local authority explains: “In Blackpool, the Household Support Fund can help by providing short-term financial support to meet immediate needs and help residents who are struggling to meet household energy costs.”
Qualifying households can receive £200 for one or two-person households (including children) and £300 for households with three or more people (including children). Successful awards will be paid directly to energy providers and will appear as a credit on recipients’ bills or pre-payment of electric or gas meters.
“This scheme is open to Blackpool residents only,” the council states. “Household members must be permanent residents of the supply address. Children must be permanent residents of the address and have child benefits in payment at the address. We will carry out checks to confirm household numbers.”
To apply for the Household Support Fund, applicants must be over the age of 16, a Blackpool Council resident, and experiencing financial hardship. Additionally, applicants must not have received a Household Support Fund payment in the last 12 months.
This targeted financial support aims to alleviate some of the pressures faced by families during the Cost of Living crisis, ensuring that those in the most need can manage their energy expenses effectively.