Families donated free slow cookers and one-time payments to cover living expenses – are you eligible?

FAMILIES received free slow cookers and one-off payments to cover living costs.

Britons in need will receive the grants as part of the latest round of the Household Support Fund worth £842 million.

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Swindon Borough Council has distributed 426 slow cookers, 85 Health Grills and 24 kettles for families in need.

The program is part of a support fund run by the Department for Work and Pensions.

A council spokesman said: “These were purchased using part of the Household Support Fund, which is money provided to us by the Government to support households with the costs of food, energy and other basic needs.”

“This year 83 residents have also received a pot payment of £13,100 to provide them with essentials.”

More than 180 residents have also been given a one-off payment from the emergency fund – £17,520 has already been used.

The money comes as part of the Household Support Fund to support those most in need.

The grants cover costs in the period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Eligible residents can receive payments to cover the cost of food, energy and other essential items.

Councils across the country receive a proportion of funding depending on the size of the area and its population.

How much you can receive depends on the location. You must therefore check the municipality’s website.

The initial fund was worth £500 million but was expanded in subsequent years.

The aid was due to end in March this year but was extended until April 2024.

How much can I get?

Remember, how much you receive will depend on your individual circumstances.

For example, welfare recipients can receive up to £150. However, you can make a claim of between £250 and £500 if you are not registered Advantagesdepending on the size of your house.

It’s best to check with your community as not everyone operates in the same way.

If you have a specific request, please contact them directly.

You can only apply once per household every six months.

Sometimes you can also request shopping vouchers if you prefer them to free cash.

How can i apply?

You must fill out an online form on your local government website.

Alternatively, paper copies should be available at your local library – just ask at reception.

If you wish, you can also request assistance in filling out the form.

Make sure you have all important documents to hand, including your ID card Insurance Number, a current bank statement and all information about the services you receive.

And remember, what you get depends on your situation and not every community distributes the money the same way.

What if I don’t live in Swindon?

Your local council will likely have their own version of the plan and you should contact them to find out more.

But be quick – HSF applications are typically processed on a first come, first served basis. You don’t want to miss out and be disappointed.

And remember, what you get depends on your situation and not every community distributes the money the same way.

For example, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will pay up to £230 into thousands of people’s bank accounts.

But only if you receive tax support from the council.

You should check with your local authority to find out what help you might be able to get.

If you don’t know which local authority area you belong to, you can use the government’s rates search tool online.

Simply type “find my council” into Google and it should be the first link that appears on the page.

What further help can I get?

There is always plenty of help, even if you don’t qualify for HSF.

For example, a number of energy suppliers, including British Gas, E.On and EDF, offer grants worth up to £1,500.

You should contact your company if you are having difficulty keeping up with payments.

And remember, the Warm Home discount will be paid even if it ends this month. This is a one-off payment of £150 towards your energy bills, paid to eligible households between October and March each year.

There are several ways to qualify for the program, but if you live there England and Wales you must either:

• You receive the guaranteed credit element of the pension credit
• They have low income and high energy costs

Beyond March 31st, you can still get help with your energy bill if you’re having trouble paying.

For example, living expenses payment of £301 will be paid into bank accounts between April 25th and May 17th.

It is part of the major £900 payment being paid out this year, which will come in three parts – the remaining two, worth £300 and £299, will be made in the autumn and spring of 2024 respectively.