Households in Coventry have just weeks left to claim cost of living support worth up to £865.
The Household Support Fund is targeted at the country’s most vulnerable households and is typically used to help them with the cost of essentials, such as food, toiletries, and warm clothes, as well as provide further support with energy bills.
Councils in England decide how best to spend their allocation of the fund, which was increased by £421million earlier this year, by drawing from local knowledge and making direct contact with people in the community.
The Fund has been extended to September 30, 2024, meaning eligible Britons have to claim from their local council before this date.
Varying levels of support are on offer, and the specific assistance available can differ depending on a person’s local council’s policies and funding allocations.
Coventry City Council’s Household Support Fund, which opened to applications in April, offers up to £865 worth of support. However, the fund will close to residents on September 30, 2024, meaning people need to act fast if they need support.
The authority said: “Households who find themselves in financial difficulty can apply for a range of support; this includes households who have previously been ineligible following receipt of a Cost-of-Living Payment.
“There will be a set amount of funds available each month, when that amount is reached, we will have to close the online application form until the next month starts.”
Coventry City Council said the fund can cover a variety of expenses, including energy bills, food, essential household items like fridges and ovens, toiletries, and repairs.
For gas, electricity, or water bills, the council offers £140 for families (or £120 for couples without children or single individuals), which can be claimed up to three times between April and September, totaling a maximum of £420.
Additionally, households can receive a £25 shopping voucher, and up to £95 per adult and £60 per child for clothing and bedding, capped at £400 per household. A toiletries voucher worth up to £20 is also available.
Altogether, households can receive up to £865 in support—£820 in cash and £45 in vouchers.
But this is just one council’s support offering. Many other authorities across the country still have applications open. For example, Leeds City Council is still offering up to £100 worth of Council Tax support, and residents in Blackpool Council’s constituency can claim up to £300 worth of energy support.
People can find out what their local councils are offering and who is eligible to apply by visiting the respective websites.
