Thousands could get up to £1000 to help with rising bills, here's how to apply

The cost of living crisis and the rising prices caused by the war in Ukrainehave affected millions of British families, with the Government prompted to provide extra support to those who struggle most.

Millions have now received or are due to receive £301 - the next instalment of £900 pledged for households on benefits - but the extra free cash may come their way on top of it.

If your household is struggling to stay afloat financially, you may be entitled to up to £1,000 from your council.

It has been announced that Brent Councilwill grant the amount to cover a wide range of things like rent and council tax arrears, white goods, counselling and mental health services, internet access and laptops, energy and water essentials and debts.

Here is to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Up to £1,000 in free cash if you’re struggling to pay your bills

Brent Council is another local authority in London that announced support for the locals through its discretionary support fund.

Thousands of families may be eligible for hundreds in free cash to help them cope with the rising bills.

The payout is available through Brent Resident Support Fund (RSF) which was created for tackling poverty in the borough and aims to lend a helping hand to residents in financial difficulties.

Those eligible will receive up to £1,000 to cover things like rent and council tax arrears, white goods, counselling and mental health services, internet access and laptops, energy and water essentials and debts.

You can also apply for funding if you need support with increased household expenditures such as food and utility bills.

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Here is how to apply

To qualify for free cash, you need to live in Brent, be aged 18 and over, have less than £6,000 in savings, need support with meeting your day-to-day living expenses including food and utility bills and have not made an RSF application in the last 12 rolling months.

No support will be provided if you’re planning to pay for an ‘excluded’ item or aren’t willing to comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award, including, for example, support from advice agencies.

You can apply for the funding online on the Brent Council website. Make sure to provide a copy of your most recent bank statement to show your household income.

If you live with a partner, you'll need to show a copy of their bank statements too.

The council says it aims to process applications within eight to ten weeks.

Residents who are at risk of losing their home, or need support as a matter of urgency, should call them on 020 8937 1800.

Ultimately, it will be down to the local authority to decide who will receive the free cash.

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Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Thousands of households can apply for FREE help worth up to £1,000 to pay bills'