Thousands of residents across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are expected to receive further Cost of Living support through the fourth phase of the household support fund. The delivery of the next phase of the support package is expected to be finalised by Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council by the end of May.
Councils across the country have received grant funding from the Government to deliver support to the most vulnerable residents. Local authorities and depending on where you live, eligibility requirements will vary - so check directly with your council if you could get the cash help.
Nottingham City Council's Household Support Fund 4 (HSF) will open in April and run until March 2024, with the first allocation being used for free school meal and supermarket vouchers for the Easter holidays. The previous fund, which ran from October 2022 to March 2023, saw thousands receive support to help pay for energy, food and essential supplies through the current cost of living crisis.
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Who is eligible and what's on offer?
Fore residents in the area covered by Nottinghamshire County Council, the Government has extended the Household Support Fund (HSF) and provided a further £11.2 million between March 2023 and March 2024 to the County Council to support residents who are struggling to make ends meet due to the current rise in living costs.
A spokesperson for the county council said: "We are currently planning for the next phase of the fund, which we expect to go live around May/June 2023. If you are a family in receipt of free school meals or Pension Credit, we will already have your details, so will be in contact to invite you to apply for a payment once the scheme is live If you are not in either of the above categories, once this scheme is live, professionals, such as a social worker or housing officer will refer those most in need of support."
In Nottingham city, the council said it is finalising plans for the delivery of energy support and supermarket vouchers and expects to confirm further plans within the next few weeks.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The council has been again been successful in obtaining £7.1m of funding to support vulnerable households in Nottingham until March 31, 2024 through the new Household Support Fund 4 from the UK Government via the Department for Work and Pensions.
"Free School Meal vouchers have already been distributed to eligible families from this fund for Easter and will also be planned for all other school holidays until March 31, 2024. The arrangements for Energy Support and Supermarket Vouchers will be finalised over coming weeks and the launch date for residents to contact our community partners will be announced by the end of May 2023. The fund will continue to be used to help those most in need with energy, food and essential supplies through the current cost of living crisis.
"Please note that until this date is confirmed on this website, neither the council nor its community partners will be able to accept new applications for support until the new scheme opens."
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How to apply for Household Support Fund?
Some households will be notified that they can apply for cash help and others will receive the cash automatically. Again, your council will set out whether or not you need to apply for the free cash.
What other help is available?
Lancs Live reports millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350. The first instalment of the £900 payment is currently being paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, as of April 25
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners. You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
If you are eligible for the payment, it will be made this summer.
Meanwhile, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you're struggling.
Here's a list of schemes open right now:
- British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- OVO Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
There's a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment meter.
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