You can soon get £100 vouchers to help pay your bills, here's how

As thousands of families are struggling to make ends meet amid the cost of living crisis, every pound in support can make a difference. The Household Support Fund (HSF) which was launched by the government in a bid to help the ones with the lowest income and that is now worth £842 million, offers vouchers for energy bills and free food packages via the local councils.

If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for up to £100 in immediate help.

The announcement about the HSF support comes as people are now waiting for the first instalment of the £900 cost of living payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The first £301 is due to drop on the accounts of those eligible between April 25 and May 17, 2023.

£100 energy bills support and free food packages

Bolton Council has confirmed that thousands of households can now apply for extra support with their energy bills and grocery shopping as the money will be available via the HSF.

The fund was set up by the Government, and each local council in England has been allocated a share of it.

Local authorities have the power to decide how they want to distribute their chunk of the money - some are handing out vouchers while others hand the households free cash.

Bolton Council is using its share of the fund to help its residents pay for gas and electricity, food and furniture, including white goods.

If you are applying for food or energy support, you will receive it within days. Households looking to get help with furniture will have to wait longer.

The scheme is open from now until March 31, 2024.

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Here is how to apply

To apply, you have to be aged 16 or over, live in Bolton, have not received an award in the last six months and have complied with the conditions of any previous awards.

Bolton Council will decide how to pay you on a case-by-case basis. But you will either receive a voucher or your metre will be topped up.

Single households can get £50 and households with couples or families can get £100. No cash payments will be made.

Meanwhile, if you need help buying food, you will receive enough food packages to last you two weeks.

Plus, the council can help provide you with furniture, including white goods such as fridges, toasters, kettles and microwaves.

You can still get help through the HSFif you don't live in Bolton. Contact your local council for more information.

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Sources used:

- The Sun: 'Thousands of households can get up to £100 vouchers for energy bills or groceries in days – see how to apply'