Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in energy assistance this winter. Blackpool Council is providing this support through its Household Support Fund to eligible households, with amounts varying based on household size. The council is distributing £200 to households with one or two members, including children, and £300 to households with three or more members, including children.
To be eligible for this support, individuals must be facing financial challenges and struggling to pay their bills. Proof of recent bank statements for all household members is required to apply for the assistance.
Applicants do not need to receive Universal Credit or other benefits to qualify for the fund, but they can only receive one award within a 12-month period. The payment is directly made to the energy provider, appearing as a credit on the bill or pre-payment electric or gas meter. Residents can apply for the assistance through the Blackpool Council website.
For residents outside Blackpool, it is advisable to check with their local council regarding support available through the Household Support Fund. Some councils, like Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and City of York Council, are offering vouchers or one-off payments to eligible residents to assist with energy bills during the winter season. Portsmouth City Council, for instance, is providing £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria.
Households meeting the income thresholds can apply for these funds to ease their financial burden during the winter months.