Households can now apply for cost of living cash worth £100
THOUSANDS of households can apply for £100 worth of cash to help with the cost of living.
The support comes through North Somerset Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund.
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The fund will see more than £2.3million handed out to struggling families, pensioners and vulnerable residents across the region.
As part of this, children across North Somerset will be provided with a food voucher next month.
In total, around 5,200 children eligible for free school meals will automatically receive a £100 food voucher in June with no application required.
The move comes as food prices remain stubbornly high and families brace for yet another expensive summer.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council, said the support is being introduced to make sure no child goes hungry and to ensure struggling families aren't left behind.
She said: "Cost of living pressures remain, which is why we are providing free food vouchers, creating a council tax reduction Hardship Fund and supporting key organisations across our area.
"No one should go hungry or worry about staying warm."
Those on council tax reduction (CTR)
Pensioners
People with severe mental impairments
Care leavers
Housing benefit claimants not already receiving CTR.
These will be distributed twice - once in June 2025 and again in January 2026 and are expected to reach more than 12,500 people in total.
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An extra £100,000 is being pumped into a council tax reduction Hardship Fund to help anyone facing financial difficulty due to changes in the benefits system.
The fund can help those have little or no income to pay your council Tax.
If you are of working age, council tax reduction is a maximum of 75.5%.
This means if your annual council tax bill is £1,000, you could get a £755 reduction.
On top of that, £220,000 has been earmarked for 'just about managing' households residents who may be financially vulnerable but don't meet the set eligibility criteria for automatic help.
Anyone in need can apply online via the council's website.
The council is urging anyone in North Somerset who is feeling the pinch to get in touch and explore the support available.
For more information and to apply for assistance, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hsf or call 0800 138 5665.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
What if I don't live in North Somerset?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been allocated to councils across England to help residents facing financial hardship.
You do not need to live in North Somerset to apply.
If you're on a low income, receiving benefits, or struggling to afford essentials, you may be eligible for support.
The type of help available varies by area and may include cash payments, food vouchers, or help with energy bills.
Applications are handled by local councils. Some have already opened their schemes, while others are expected to launch soon.
Residents are advised to check their local council's website or social media for updates.
Many councils have dedicated Household Support Fund pages with details on how to apply.
In some cases, councils may contact eligible households directly by post.
What other help is available?
If you're not eligible for the Household Support Fund, there are still other ways to get financial support.
First, check if you're missing out on benefits.
Every year, billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed - and you could be entitled to more than you think.
There are free online tools that can help you find out what you're owed:
Policy in Practice – Better Off Calculator
Entitledto Benefits Calculator
Turn2us Benefits Calculator
If energy bills are piling up, you might qualify for a grant to help clear your arrears.
British Gas and Octopus Energy offer financial assistance to customers in difficulty, with some schemes wiping as much as £2,000 off unpaid energy debts, depending on your situation.
It's worth checking with your supplier or visiting their website for eligibility details.
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