Households can apply for FREE cost of living cash now with new deadline announced
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MONEY TALKS Households can apply for FREE cost of living cash now with new deadline announced
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HOUSEHOLDS in Salford can now apply for a scheme for free food vouchers and fuel top ups credits.
The support comes via the Government's Household Support Fund, which will accept applications until later this year.
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The Household Support Fund helps low-income households in Britain cope with the cost of living crisis (stock image)
Credit: Getty
This round launched earlier this month and will run until Tuesday 30 September 2025.
It is part one of round seven and focuses on helping residents of the Greater Manchester city with food, fuel, and energy due to the cost of living crisis.
This scheme is discretionary and the funds will be used to support households in the most need.
Provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, the Household support scheme was first introduced in October 2021 to support vulnerable households.
For this round of the Household Support Fund, applicants can only apply once for support.
To complete the application, households will be required to provide their current energy supplier, a recent bank statement, and Universal Credit Journal, where applicable.
Applications are currently being accepted, with the deadline set for Tuesday 30 September 2025.
A helpline for applicants is available at 0800 011 3998, operating between 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Salford residents do not need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund.
However, applicants need to provide evidence they do not have the funds themselves to purchase the items requested.
Cash for Care
If you have applied in previous rounds of the Household Support Fund, you may still be eligible for further help.
If you do receive other benefits or claim Pension Credit, you can still apply for the Household Support Fund, this does not impact any other benefits you may receive.
The funding will be awarded via shopping vouchers and fuel meter top ups to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
No funding will be awarded in the form of a cash payment for this part of the scheme.
For a detailed break down on how to apply, visit the Salford City Council website.
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.
The current round runs until the end of March 2025, but has been extended.
The next round will run between April 2025 and March 2026.
Salford residents who need support can apply directly for funding online.
The support is distributed by Salford City Council's Salford Assist Team.
Salford Assist will also advise and make referrals on an applicant's behalf where appropriate to other agencies to ensure you are getting the help you need.
The allocated funding will be used to provide direct financial support to eligible residents to cover essential costs as well as issuing holiday food vouchers to children eligible for Free School Meals.
In the previous round covering October 2024 to March 2025, the council provided over 17,000 holiday food vouchers to families and children during school holidays.
The scheme also enables Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes.
And it will support additional council services including housing and adult social care.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett described the fund as "instrumental" in providing essential assistance to residents, and ensuring children do not go without food during school holidays.
He went on to urge "any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund".
Further information
The Household Support Fund does not impact on any other benefits you may receive.
If you require any further information, please email HSFapplications@salford.gov.uk
For help completing the application form, please call the helpline or you can visit your local gateway centre or Broughton Hub.
To find out more about Government support with the cost of living visit the Government's Cost of Living Hub.
And find out more about cost of living support in Salford by visiting Salford's Cost of Living support pages.
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