Cost of living alert: Thousands eligible for free £500 to pay energy bills - are you?
Thousands of Britons could be eligible for free £500
GETTY
Britons are being reminded of vital cost of living support which could see thousands claim a free £500 payment directly into their accounts but who is eligible for this assistance?
This money is reserved for those looking to get help in paying for food and energy bills, which has reached historic highs in recent years and remain relatively high for many households.
What is this cost of living payment?
The free £500 is available thanks to the Government's Household Support Fund which delivers money to local authorities.
Funding is delivered to councils which then administer the financial aid to eligible claimants living in the area.
However, each council receives a different portion of the funding depending on the size of their catchment area, population and how many households are in need.
The amount of money someone receives will be dependent on their individual circumstances and how much many their local authority has received.
Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
The cost of living crisis has pushed energy bills to new heights in recent years GETTY Who is eligible for the cost of living payment?
Brent is the latest local authority to administer the £500 in cost of living support.
The Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) was created to help residents who are finding it difficult to manage inflation-hiked prices for goods and services, as well as rising energy bills.
Those looking for support can apply through the council's website if they if you are a Brent resident, aged over 18 and have less than £6,000 in their bank account.
Applicants must also prove they are in need of financial assistance to mitigate the impact of the cost of living.
Full details of the eligibility criteria for the Household Support Fund cash be found by visiting Brent council's website.
Here is a list of some extra requirements those looking to apply should take into accounts:
- Applicants must not be seeking support to pay for an excluded item
- Applicants must be willing to comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award, including for example, support from advice agencies
- Applicants must not made an application for support in the last 12 rolling months
Can people living outside of Brent get a cost of living payment?
Britons are encouraged to use the Government's council finder tool to find out the contact information of their local authority and enquire about any available support.
Once this is done, households can apply for support which is reserved for their local area.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS;
Families have struggled with the rise in the cost of living
PAIt should be noted that each local authority will have a different application process and eligibility criteria.
Notably, some councils will not need households to apply for help as they will contact them directly instead.
Examples of cost of living support provided by other local authorities include Blackpool council which handed out a free £300 to vulnerable people.
Furthermore, those living in Bracknell Forest were eligible for up to £315 in free cash.