Free energy vouchers worth up to £300 available for thousands of families to help with bills
Free energy vouchers worth up to £300 available for thousands of families to help with bills
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HOUSEHOLDS can claim free energy vouchers worth up to £300 to help with bills this winter. Families can claim the cash through the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is distributed by local councils to help with the cost of living. The HSF is a pot of money shared between councils in England to distribute among those living in their areas.
![[a man and woman sit at a table looking at a piece of paper]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/crop-29751231_c63dc0.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
What you're entitled to is a postcode lottery, dependant on the terms set by your local authority. Councils in England are now distributing the latest round of funding, which amounts to £421million. They have until April 2025 to make payments and each will set its own eligibility criteria.
While this means access varies, if you have a limited amount of money or savings, or are deemed to be vulnerable or on benefits, you will probably qualify for help. St Helens Borough Council in Merseyside is offering support with essential bills. Low-income families can apply for support with fuel, food and other living expenses, including utility debts, as well as help with the cost of purchasing furniture or white goods.
Direct payments of £200, or £300 for over 80s, will also be made to pensioners who are not eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment, but receive Housing Benefit or a Council Tax reduction. Eligible households should receive their payments by the end of this week.
In previous years the winter fuel payment was available to everyone aged 66 and over. However, cuts introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves now restrict the payment to retirees receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, with thousands missing out.
