THOUSANDS of households could do without a one-off cash grant of £140 as part of a living costs package.
The financial support comes through the government Domestic Support Fund.
The scheme works by hand councils Some of the funding is available across the country to distribute to Britons in need.
Britons across the country have received hundreds from a pot worth £421m managed by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Each local authority will receive a different share of funding, depending on the size of the catchment area, population and number of vulnerable households.
The voucher or subsidy amounts vary by locationso you need to check what you can get and how your council will pay you.
Residents of Wokingham can now receive cash grants from the council with a new round of funding starting on April 25 and ending on September 30.
Pensioners, carers, disabled people and households of four or more people can get a grant of £140.
All other households can receive a £70 grant.
Families with children who have received means-tested free school meals can apply for holiday food vouchers instead.
These vouchers cost £20 per week per child and are received during the school holidays.
If you have previously received one of these vouchers, you do not need to apply for them again.
The total amount you receive depends on the number of children in your family who receive a means-tested free school meal.
Once you have successfully registered, payments will be made for the May half term and the six week summer holidays.
What if I don't live in Wokingham?
To get help, you will need to contact your municipality, as local authorities are responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your municipality, use the gov.uk council seeker.
Once you find your municipality, the website should have information on how to apply.
Each municipality has a different application process, so the exact details of how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
This means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund may also vary.
Some municipalities do not require you to apply for the assistance and will instead contact you if you qualify.
If there is no information on your council's website, it is best to call them and ask for more information.
What other support is available?
If you are not eligible for the Domestic Support Fund in your region, you may still be entitled to additional support.
The third episode of the cost of living bank accounts hit in February.
Those who qualify should have received a tax free payment before February 22 – take action now if you haven't had yours and think you qualify.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
THE Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits get through the winter amid the cost of living.
Councils Up and down the country received a share of the £500 million available funding to hand out to Britons in need.
It was then extended for a second time in 2022 Spring budget and for the third time in October 2022 to help people with the lowest incomes with the rising costs of living.
The DWP subsequently confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme until March 31, 2024.
Chancellor Jeremey Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time as he delivered his spring budget on March 6, 2024.
2