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Thousands of households could be missing one-off £140 cash payment – check NOW for help with bills, food or energy costs
The scheme previously dished out grants worth up to £1,000
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THOUSANDS of households could be missing a one-off £140 cash grant as part of a cost of living package.
The cash support comes through the government's Household Support Fund.
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The scheme works by handing councils up and down the country a slice of funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
Brits across the country have been given hundreds from a pot worth £421million and operated by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Each local authority gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and number of vulnerable households.
The voucher or grant amounts vary by location, so you must check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
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Residents of Wokingham are now able to get cash grants from the council with a new round of funds opening on April 25 and closing on September 30.
Pensioners, carers, disabled people and households with four or more people can get a grant of £140.
All other households can get a grant of £70.
Families with children who received means-tested free school meals can apply for Holiday Food Vouchers, instead.
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These vouchers are £20 a week per child and are in received during the school holidays.
If you have previously received one of these vouchers you don't need to apply again.
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The amount you get in total depends on the number of children in your family who receive means-tested free school meals.
Once you’ve successfully applied, payments will be made for the May half term and six week summer holidays.
What if I don't live in Wokingham?
To get the help, you'll need to check with your council - as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Once you've found your council, there should be information on how to apply on its website.
Each council will have a different application process - so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
That means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund could also vary.
Some councils won't require you to apply for the help and they'll contact you about it instead if you qualify.
If there's no information on your council's website, then it's best to ring them up and ask for more information.
What other support is available?
If you don't qualify for the Household Support Fund in your local area you may still be entitled to additional support.
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The third instalment of the cost of living support payment hit bank accounts in February.
Those eligible should have received a tax-free payment by February 22 - take action now if you haven't had yours and think you qualify.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
THE Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £500million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
Chancellor Jeremey Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.
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