Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in energy assistance this winter. Blackpool Council is administering this aid via its Household Support Fund to eligible households. The amount of help provided varies based on household size, with £200 for one or two-person households, and £300 for households with three or more individuals, including children.
To be eligible, households must demonstrate financial hardship and difficulty in paying their bills. Proof of recent bank statements for all household members is required to apply for the support. There is no requirement to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to qualify, but each household can only receive this assistance once within a 12-month period.
The payment is directly credited to the energy provider and will reflect on the bill or pre-payment meter. Eligible residents can apply through the Blackpool Council website. If you are not a Blackpool resident, it is advisable to check with your local council for similar support options through the Household Support Fund.
Other councils are also offering assistance. For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing £120 worth of vouchers to qualifying residents. City of York Council is providing one-off £100 payments to households receiving council tax bill support. Portsmouth City Council is awarding £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria.
Residents are encouraged to explore the available support options in their respective areas.