UK households who have 'no more than £1,000 in savings' handed free £250
There are just days left for households to apply for a free £250 payment. Canterbury Council is one of the local authorities which still has Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) cash up for grabs amid the Cost of Living crisis.
The money is being issued by Canterbury as part of the Household Support Fund, which is a scheme that allows local authorities to award specific help to residents. The scheme was set up by the former Conservative Party government.
And after initially being set to end in September, it has been extended by the Labour Party. The council says: "The Household Support Fund is a scheme funded by the government to help low income households. The money we're given is for help with costs like food, energy bills and other essentials such as clothing and hygiene products.
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"The fund is a discretionary award, and we reserve the right to change the criteria at any time." To apply for a payment, you must live in the Canterbury district and be 16 or over (including university students), have a total household income of £40,000 or less - this includes any money from employment or benefits and have no more than £1,000 in savings and not have access to any other money to support your situation.
You can only apply once between now and Friday 20 September, and only for one type of help per household - so for example, you cannot submit an application for food bills and an application for help with energy costs.
The council states: "We’ll look at all applications based on individual needs, the information and supporting evidence you give us, and the money available. We'll give priority to people in urgent need. If there is high demand for payments, you might not be given any money."