Thousands of households stand to receive £300 in energy assistance this winter. Blackpool Council is rolling out this support via its Household Support Fund for qualifying residents. Each local authority administers its own version of the fund, offering various forms of aid such as energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
Eligible households in Blackpool can receive £200 if they consist of one or two individuals, including children. Those with three or more members, including children, can qualify for £300. To access this assistance, individuals must demonstrate financial hardship and difficulties in paying their bills, providing recent bank statements for all household members.
Applicants do not need to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to apply for the fund, but they can only receive one award within a 12-month period. The payment is directly credited to the energy provider, appearing on the bill or pre-payment meter. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website.
Residents outside Blackpool are encouraged to explore the support available through their respective local councils’ Household Support Fund. For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing £120 in vouchers to eligible residents, with two £60 vouchers being sent to working-age households receiving Council Tax Reduction in late November and early January.
In addition, one-off payments of £120 are offered to low-income residents paying energy bills but not receiving Council Tax Reduction. City of York Council is providing one-off £100 payments to those receiving assistance with their council tax. Eligibility criteria vary, with Portsmouth City Council awarding £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income thresholds.
Households must have an income below £935 for a single adult or £1,350 for couples or families, including single parents, to qualify for the assistance. It is crucial to verify the requirements and application process through the respective council’s official channels.