THOUSANDS of cash-strapped households can claim a one-off payment of £100 within weeks.
Leeds was allocated a total of £7.09 million from the Household Support Fund (HSF) between April 1 and September 30.
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The HSF provides assistance to the neediest households and has been extended several times since its introduction by the government in 2021.
The funding is given to local councils to distribute, so the support available varies from country to country.
According to a report from Leeds City Council, £2.7 million would be spent on cash payments to more than 62,500 households receiving Council Tax Support (CTS).
The award will be based on the information held on the Council's tax support claim.
Those with children would receive a payment of £100.
Meanwhile, pensioners and working-age adults without children will get £25.
These payments will take place during July 2024.
Eligible households will receive barcoded letters that can be taken to the post office along with proof of identity to redeem the money.
The report states: “The area where the highest expenditure will be made will be through the Council's tax support programme.
“This will ensure that households with some of the lowest incomes in the city receive support directly, without the need for an application process.”
The second largest HSF allocation was £1.7 million for charities in the city including Leeds Food Aid Network, Voluntary Action Leeds, Forum Central and Fareshare.
Another allocation of £200,000 will go towards the city's Local Welfare Support programme.
Leeds City Council warns that the funding will only go to those who are struggling.
Evidence such as proof of income may be required, while the council may at some point send a worker to homes to assess the needs of that household.
What is the Domestic Support Fund?
The Domestic Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times, until September 2024.
The latest round of funding is worth £421 million to councils England.
Who qualifies and how much support is provided is a postcode lottery, as each local authority can set its own criteria for distributing the funds.
However, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, you are classified as vulnerable or exposed advantagesyou are likely eligible for assistance.
What support is available
The support offered varies from municipality to municipality. So it's worth checking your local council's schemes to make sure you receive all the help available.
For example, in Hertfordshire, funds have also been made available to support low-income households facing an immediate financial crisis, energy costs and support food banks.
You can find out which municipal area you fall under via the central government municipality locator tool on its website.
You don't have to worry about additional support impacting existing benefits as they are not affected by HSF payments.
And you don't necessarily have to receive benefits receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your municipality to find out what support is available and what the eligibility criteria are.
How do you apply?
To get help, you will need to contact your municipality as local authorities are responsible for distributing funding.
Information on how to apply for the funding should be published on your council's website.
Each municipality has a different application procedure.
Many municipalities do not require you to apply for the assistance and will contact you about this, or issue vouchers via email or your child's school.
In addition to supermarket vouchers, you may also be eligible for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers water bills.
If there is no information on your council's website, it is best to call them and ask for more information.