DWP One-Off Payments for UK Homes Available with Deadline in Ten Weeks
Eligible UK residents have ten weeks to apply for DWP’s Household Support Fund to ease financial burdens
DWP, Household Support Fund, UK, Birmingham, Middlesborough, Financial Support
Birmingham: People in the UK have a little over ten weeks to apply for help from the government’s Household Support Fund. This fund is set to run until March 31.
If you’re struggling, you might be eligible for some support. The government allocated £421 million to local councils in England last October to extend this fund for another six months.
Local authorities get to decide who qualifies and how to hand out the money. The goal is to help the most vulnerable households in their areas.
In places like Birmingham, the fund is being used for cash grants to help with essentials like food, energy, and water bills. Meanwhile, Middlesborough Council plans to release the funds in stages based on individual circumstances.
It’s a good idea to check with your local council to find out what their rules are and how they’re distributing the support. You can do this easily on the Gov.uk council checker.
There are some guidelines from the government that all councils must follow. For instance, you can usually only get one payment every 12 months.
Councils need to focus on helping those who need immediate help. The support can come in different forms, like cash grants or vouchers. The government has also suggested several ways councils can use the funds to assist vulnerable people.
With energy bills going up this winter, the government is encouraging councils to provide support for energy costs. This includes help for heating, cooking, and lighting, as well as water bills.
Food vouchers or cash to cover food expenses are also on the list, along with help for energy-efficient items and repairs. Plus, there’s a chance for advice services to assist with debt or employment issues.
However, the government suggests that this support should be linked to practical help. They also mention that while councils can provide crisis support, they don’t expect a large chunk of the fund to go towards that.
The fund can also assist with housing costs, but councils should first help people explore other options like Universal Credit or Discretionary Housing Payments.
Lastly, the fund can cover broader essential needs like broadband, clothing, hygiene products, and transport costs. Payments can be tailored to meet one or several of these needs.