THOUSANDS of families have just hours left to apply for free cash worth up to £200 as scheme closes tomorrow.
Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The aid was set up in 2021 and has since been extended by the UK government several times.
How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial circumstances.
The pot of cash is handed out by local councils and it varies from area to area.
Struggling households in East Riding can get financial help worth £200.
To be eligible for the payment, applicants must be an East Riding resident and not have received financial support from the Household Support Fund in 2024/25.
Residents must also be receiving housing benefit, housing element of universal credit, or council tax support.
You must have been receiving a means tested benefit for at least three continuous months, not be in employment, and als have less than £1000 in savings.
But the deadline for the support closes on Friday, February 28, meaning there are just hours to go before applications close.
If you are keen to apply you can visit the council website which is, www.eastriding.gov.uk
Alternatively you can call the council on 01482 393939.
If you are successful you can expect your payment in 20 days of making the application.
If you think you could be eligible but do not think you meet the criteria, it may be worth getting in touch with the council directly to see if they can help.
Even if you don’t live in East Riding your local council may also offer some support.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN EAST RIDING?
Plenty of councils are still offering support to struggling families.
For example hard-up households in Calderdale have until tomorrow to apply for support worth £100.
You may be eligible if you receive council tax reduction based upon your income.
How much you get depends on certain factors such as if you live with children or have a disability.
For example, households with children will get £100 and so will households living with a known disability.
Meanwhile, single and couples with no children or disability will receive £50.
For households with children and a known disability, only one payment of £100 can be awarded.
Struggling households in Doncaster can also get financial help worth up to £225.
To be eligible, you must be claiming housing benefit, local council tax reduction,Universal Credit which includes the housing element, or means-tested free school meals.
If you apply for the support you will need to share information such as name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number and bank account details.
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.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
