Families on Universal Credit have just 24 hours to get up to £1,000 in free cost of living cash payments
STRUGGLING households could bag cost of living payments worth up to £1,000 - but need to act fast.
There are just hours left for thousands to apply for cash that could act as a financial lifeline.
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The payments are from the government's £742million Household Support Fund being distributed by councils in England.
Local authorities have until next year to dish out their share of the fund - but once the cash is gone, it's gone.
And many councils are already handing out the support through cash or vouchers with set windows for applications.
Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship now have until 12pm tomorrow (June 12) to apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000.
People on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don't need to be.
And applications may also close early if the funds have been used up.
To qualify for the cash, you'll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts.
You also need to tell authorities what you've tried to do to improve your financial situation and why you need help.
The exact amount you receive depends on household size -the maximum amount is for six or more of £800.
Whereas one person gets £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people 600, and five people £700.
How to cut energy costs and get help with FOUR key household bills
Households deemed to be in the highest level of need can be awarded a further £200 taking total payments up to £1,000.
To apply, visit the portsmouth.gov.uk website.
Can I get help if I live outside Portsmouth?
Cash from the Household Support Fund is available to households battling financial pressures across England.
But what exactly you get will depend on your circumstances and where you live.
For example, the City of Doncaster Council is giving out up to £300 payments to families on Universal Credit.
And households in Middlesbrough can get vouchers worth up to £120.
The Household Support Fund was set up to help households cover essentials such as energy or water bills and food costs.
But, each council sets its own eligibility criteria meaning whether you qualify for help varies from one postcode to the next.
Funding is aimed at anyone who's vulnerable or struggling to pay for essentials.
Many councils require you to be on certain benefits to qualify.
But crucially, any help you receive via the Household Support Fund won't affect your benefit payments.
The type of help on offer varies from supermarket vouchers to direct cash payments into your bank account.
Some councils are allocating their share of the fund to community groups and charities who you have to get in touch with.
If you're on benefits, have limited savings, or are struggling to cover food and energy bills, it's worth seeing if you're eligible for help.
Get in touch with your local council to see what exactly is on offer and how to apply.
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.
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