Earning £400 or less a week? You may be eligible for TWO £150 payments from DWP
Amber Middleton
Content writerThe payments for-income families come as part of the DWP's Household Support Fund amid the cost of living crisis
Families with an income less than £400 per week might be eligible for TWO free cash payments totalling £300 – to help with the rising living costs.
And applications are now open, but households are warned 'the application may be closed at any point,' – so if you think you are eligible you must apply as soon as possible.
This money is being made available thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)'s Household Support Fund (HSF).
Local authorities across the country are being given a share of the £842m pot to share between low-income residents in their boroughs.
Councils have used the money in a variety of ways, some providing cash to families claiming certain benefits, or supermarket vouchers to parents whose children get free school meals.
Other councils have helped their residents reduce their energy bills by paying off a portion or providing energy-saving bundles including heated blankets to stop the heating being turned on until absolutely necessary. You can see a full list here of the support available, broken down by area.
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£300 cash for vulnerable residents
West Northamptonshire Council is the latest council to announce how it will spend its share of the fun.
It will give eligible residents £300. Recipients will receive the money straight into their bank accounts in 2 instalments of £150.
The application process is open now.
A council spokesperson said: 'Struggling households in West Northamptonshire who work but are on a low wage can apply for a £300 payment from the Household Support Fund (HSF), funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
'Those that have a weekly income of £400 or less may be eligible to receive a £300 payment to provide financial support to those that are in need, but have not received any of the Cost of Living Payments or the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.'
But this is just one example of the help that is available across the country. See what is available in YOUR area here.
Am I eligible?
To receive the £300, the following must apply:
- You must be over 18
- You must live in the West Northamptonshire Council district
- You're in full or part-time employment
- Have total money, savings, and investments of less than £5000 in their household
- Have not already received either the £301 or £300 Cost of Living Payment OR the Disability Cost of Living Payment
- Have an equivalent weekly income (including benefits) of less than £400 (after tax and deductions)
- Have a valid UK bank account
- You must be able to provide evidence of recent payslips and a recent bank statement
If you have applied to the HSF previously, you can apply again if you're eligible.
When will the money be paid?
The money will be paid out in 2 instalments. The first instalment of £150 will be issued following the approval of the application.
The second payment, also worth £150, will be paid out 60 days later without having to reapply.
How do I apply?
The application page is open now, however the council warn: 'The application may be closed at any point.
'The website will be updated with details, to ensure funds are made available throughout the year up until 31 March 2024.'
Only 1 award will be assigned per household.
To apply, visit the on the West Northamptonshire website here.
If you do not have a computer or smart device to use, the council recommends visiting your local library and using the computers there.
To apply you will also need photos or scans of the required documents (such as pay slips) as well as details of your bank account.
When you begin the form, you cannot save and return so it needs to be completed in 1 session – this will only take around 10 minutes.
What if I don't live in West Northamptonshire?
Councils across the UK are providing money or important help to low-income families.
Most recently, Ribble Valley announced it would be giving food vouchers of £200, £300 and £500 to families who need it most.
Similarly, Dorset announced plans to supply struggling households with £150 food vouchers, along with one-off £250 cash payments.
Last week, Tandridge District Council in West Sussex began issuing £350 cash payments to residents.
Other councils across the UK are using their portion of the funds in different ways.
Low-income families in North Northamptonshire, for example, could be entitled to a one-off £320 payment to help with essentials depending on household income and savings.
Take a look at our guide to see what your local council is doing to support its residents.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of money provided by the DWP to local councils.
It's up to each council on how they wish to spend their portion of the money and who they believe it will benefit most.
You can see a full list here of the support available, broken down by area.
Other support available
Residents of West Northamptonshire can also receive holiday food vouchers. This scheme is also being funded by the HSF. This is available for anyone eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
Eligible children will automatically receive an allocated supermarket voucher valued at £15 per week, per child. These will be distributed to parents/carers by the school at the start of the holidays.
The Government is also providing £900 in cash across 3 instalments across the UK in the form of the Cost of Living payment.
This is available to some low-income households in instalments of £301, which was paid in April and May 2023, £300 which will be paid out from the end of October and £299 which is due in spring 2024.
All the latest DWP money news and other cost of living help
For more advice on money or benefits, take a look at our Cost of Living hub.
You will find lots of Government-based advice on cash you might be entitled to, plus all the dates when you can expect the latest Cost of Living payments and other allowances to land in your bank account.
There are also top tips from the Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, as well as brilliant ideas for saving money on everything from your weekly shop, to that well-deserved holiday.
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