THOUSANDS of cash-strapped households could claim £200 in a one-off payment in just weeks.
The support is being provided by councils and is funded through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The scheme has been extended multiple times but the latest round covering April to September is worth a whopping £421million.
The pot of cash has been shared between councils in England which then have to decide how to distribute it.
That means what you are entitled to and whether you qualify depends on where you live.
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However, help is usually offered to those on a low income, benefits, or who are classed as vulnerable - though not always.
East Riding Council in Yorkshire was awarded £2.61million in the latest round of funding.
The local authority is putting the cash towards dishing out £200 payments to residents on low-incomes.
Those struggling with energy, water, food and grocery bills are being encouraged to apply.
Eligible households include families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those financially in crisis.
Gill Barley, the council’s director of revenues and procurement, said: "This money is available right now to help our community and I would urge people to please check to see if they are eligible and apply online.
"We hope this money will make a difference as there are many people on low incomes in the East Riding who are having an extremely tough time.
"Please tell your friends and family about this fund because it may just help."
How to get the free £200
To apply for the £200 cash payment you must apply via www.eryc.link/fund.
The application form will be open until the end of August, and there can only be one application per household.
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Successful applicants will receive their payment within 20 days of applying.
Those who don’t have access to the internet and want to make a claim can call the council on 01482 393939.
Not everyone has to apply though.
Those low-income working households and unpaid carers who previously applied between April 2023 and March 2024 and received an HSF payment don’t need to apply again.
Payments will automatically be paid to those who meet eligibility criteria and currently receiving council tax support.
Eligible households will receive the £200 payment by the end of July.
Also using the HSF cash, the council will also be supporting several local schemes and organisations helping people in need, including:
- Investing £1m towards the cost of providing free school meal vouchers during school holidays until October to those eligible in the East Riding,
- Giving Food banks in the area a share of £50,000.
What help can I get if I don't live in East Riding?
The support provided varies from council to council, so it's worth checking the schemes your local council has in place to make sure you receive all the assistance available.
For example, Wakefield is handing out £75 supermarket vouchers to low-income pensioners families and disabled residents.
Warrington Borough Council is hanging out a £90 payment for households with children in receipt of free school meals, or claiming eligible benefits.
South Ribble Council in Lancashire is offering residents vouchers worth £350 which can be spent at a range of retailers.
Stockport Council is dishing out supermarket vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials.
The fund is paid per child, so, for example, any family with three children will receive vouchers totalling £315.
Hard-up families in North East Lincolnshire can claim supermarket vouchers worth £90 to cover the cost of food.
The vouchers can be used across a number of major retailers including Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons or Tesco.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
