Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in winter energy assistance.
Blackpool Council is providing this energy credit through its Household Support Fund to eligible households. Each local authority administers its own version of this fund, offering various forms of support such as energy assistance, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
Qualified households with one or two individuals, including children, will receive £200 in energy aid, while households with three or more individuals, including children, will receive £300.
To access this support, individuals must be facing financial difficulties and struggles in paying their bills, and must provide recent bank statements for all household members.
No specific benefits like Universal Credit are required to apply for this fund, but only one award can be claimed within a 12-month period.
The payment is sent directly to the energy provider and will be reflected as a credit on the bill or pre-payment meter. Applications can be made through the Blackpool Council website.
Residents outside Blackpool should check with their local councils for support through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is issuing £120 worth of vouchers to eligible recipients.
City of York Council is offering one-off £100 payments to those receiving help with their council tax. Nearly 5,000 York residents are eligible for this payment, with letters containing application instructions already sent out.
Portsmouth City Council is granting £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria.
Household income thresholds must be below £935 for a single adult household or £1,350 for couples or families, including single-parent families.