UK households who haven't had Cost of Living payment in past 12 months set to be handed free £500
Households across England are set to be handed a free £500 Cost of Living payment to get them through winter. Under the new Labour Party government, the Household Support Fund - which was initially set up by the Tories - has been extended.
The scheme sees the DWP send money to local councils to dish out to residents. Each local authority area sets its own devolved rules for how to be eligible for the cash payments. The government said about the fund: "Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.
"Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills overwinter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.” Among the local authorities with money up for grabs includes Brent, which is offering £500 handouts.
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The council explained on its website and HSF landing page: "The Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) is a discretionary support fund available to Brent residents who are in financial difficulties, for example struggling with food, utility bills and other household essentials. You can also apply if you are in short-term financial need because of an emergency. The RSF is funded primarily by Brent Council and the Household Support Fund of the Department for Work and Pensions.
"To make sure that the limited funds can be used to support as many residents as possible, the maximum total award per application will be £500." You can apply if you are a Brent resident, aged 18 and over and have less than £6,000 savings.
You can apply if you need support with meeting your day to day living expenses including food and utility bills, are not seeking support to pay for an excluded item and are willing to comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award, including for example, support from advice agencies.