Some households could secure extra financial help (Image: Getty Images)
UK households with an annual income below £31,000 may now qualify for free energy assistance as part of the government’s Household Support Fund, designed to combat the rising . However, people will need to act quickly to take advantage of this aid.
The Department for Work and Pensions #() has provided funding to local councils to support low-income families in their areas. Each local authority has the discretion to decide how to allocate these funds, offering assistance in various forms, such as direct cash grants or supermarket vouchers.
For example, Warwickshire County Council is offering energy bill vouchers to local residents in need. This one-time voucher is intended for households in “immediate need”.
Previously, the Household Support Fund has aided families receiving certain benefits or with children eligible for free school meals. However, the scheme has been expanded, and new applications are now being accepted from households that pay their energy bills via direct debit, bill receipts, or prepayment meters.
Eligible individuals can apply online or through their local welfare scheme, reports . The amount of financial aid provided will vary depending on each household’s specific situation.
However, Warwickshire County Council has indicated that the funding for this programme is limited and therefore, it will conclude on March 28, 2025, or potentially earlier if all funds are exhausted. The eligibility for this vital support is based on several key factors:
- Live in the following district council areas – Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth or North Warwickshire
- Have a combined gross household income of no more than £31,000 per year
- Have no household savings
- Have someone living with a vulnerability
If your household fulfils all these criteria, you can apply for help through the Warwickshire Household Support Fund, provided you haven’t applied for the same assistance in the past six months. The council is also partnering with Act on Energy, an external body providing free advice and help in arranging boiler services or repairs.
Only some famillies will be eligible for the support (Image: Getty)
Act on Energy aims to assist households grappling with existing energy debts and organise the repair, service, or replacement of malfunctioning boilers and heating systems.
Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture, remarked: “The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme assists our most vulnerable residents during unavoidable crises when they have no other sources of help. Through this scheme, we can distribute the Household Support Fund to families and individuals who need it most.”
She further implored: “I would encourage any residents who may be struggling with the cost of their energy bills to get in touch as soon as possible – either online or by phone – as we have time limited support available from the current round of funding. We would particularly like to hear from residents who may have previously been in receipt of the and are no longer eligible but may continue to find it difficult to meet the cost of their fuel bills. ” This assistance is not extended to those living outside of Warwickshire. However, your local council might have a similar Household Support Fund scheme in operation.
The initiative is slated to end on March 31, 2025, following an extension granted by the Labour government last year, which was supplemented by an additional £421million in funding. If you’re not a Warwickshire resident, it’s recommended to consult your local council’s website for potential aid before the scheme concludes.