UK households could be eligible for £120 free cash help in the run-up to Christmas. The money is being distributed through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund, or HSF.
The HSF money, from the Labour Party government, is available to apply for by contacting your local council. Each local authority decides what help it will offer, and who is eligible for the support.
Some councils decide to hand out cash payments, while others may provide vouchers. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing £120 worth of vouchers, which can be exchanged for cash at any PayPoint outlet.
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The vouchers will be delivered automatically to all households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. Ahead of Christmas, two £60 vouchers will be distributed to approximately 10,000 working age households who receive Council Tax Reduction.
In the first two weeks of January, two £60 vouchers will be distributed to around 6,000 households with pensioners who receive Council Tax Reduction.
One-off payments of £120 are also available for residents who are on a low income, pay energy bills and do not receive Council Tax Reduction.
Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport, said: “The Household Support Fund has been vital for families around our Borough for a number of years now, so we’re delighted to again offer vouchers for thousands of eligible households this winter.
“Don’t forget if you receive Council Tax Reduction then there’s nothing you need to do, with vouchers sent automatically. And of course, if you do not receive Council Tax Reduction then you may still be eligible for support by applying for a discretionary payment.
“Plus, you can also visit our ‘Here to Help’ hub for a range of information on benefits, advice and support available to help you and your family.”