Local councils are currently giving away hundreds of pounds worth of support to struggling families, but households in Nottingham can get a grant worth up to £700.
The support comes from Nottingham City Council’s Household Support Fund and people who receive Housing Benefit but didn’t qualify for the Government’s £900 Cost of Living Payment may be eligible for it.
Explaining the council’s Cost of Living Scheme “Top Up”, a statement on its website reads: “If you are eligible, the Revenues and Benefits department will contact you in February/March 2024 to explain your next entitlement and how it will be paid.”
It adds that, depending on the individual’s circumstances, the payments will range between £400 and £700 and will be paid over instalments between summer 2023 and March 2024.
Millions of pounds worth of help from local authority’s Household Support Funds across the country is still currently going unclaimed, and people are being urged to check if they may be entitled to a share of it.
It’s even more urgent to check now, as the deadline to claim support from the funds lands on March 31, 2024.
The Household Support Fund was launched in 2021 and is targeted at the most vulnerable households.
The Government distributes a sizeable pot – worth £842million in this year’s extension – to local councils, who then decide how to distribute it to constituents.
It’s typically used to help them with the cost of essentials like groceries, toiletries, and warm clothes, as well as provide further support with energy bills.
However, a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request from lender Creditspring found a staggering £85million is still yet to be claimed across local councils.
A few examples of how local authorities are using the fund include Kent County Council, which is currently offering eligible claimants a prepaid card to the value of £100 to put towards energy bills.
Meanwhile, Peterborough City Council is offering households vouchers worth up to £80, which can be claimed twice, provided there is a two-month gap between applications.
Leicester City Council is using the fund to help struggling households through food and energy vouchers or essential kitchen equipment.
This support is aimed at those who did not receive help through the Government’s Cost of Living Payment scheme and applications re-opened yesterday.
People can find out if and what their local councils are offering through the Household Support Fund by visiting the respective websites, here.
