Struggling households in the UK can now access valuable financial support to help ease the burden of rising energy and water bills. The UK government’s Helping Hand Scheme (HSF), introduced in 2021, has been extended several times, ensuring that eligible families get the assistance they need. From direct cash grants to vouchers, local councils are offering essential help tailored to household circumstances. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, including how to apply and what criteria you need to meet.
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What Is the Helping Hand Scheme?
The Helping Hand Scheme provides struggling families with direct financial aid to cover essential expenses like energy, water bills, and other vital costs. With a £421 million fund allocated to local councils across the UK, the scheme aims to provide targeted assistance where it’s most needed. The amount you’re eligible for depends on your financial circumstances, the benefits you currently receive, and whether you live in an area with specific local support.
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How Much Financial Help Can You Get?
The financial aid varies by location, household size, and income level. In Worcestershire, for example, eligible households can apply for up to £500 to help with energy or water bills. To qualify for this, your household income must be £31,000 or less, and you’ll need to submit evidence, such as three months of consecutive bank statements.
The amount of support you receive also depends on whether you live with children or whether you’re eligible for means-tested benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how much help you can get:
- Households with Adults Only (ages 18-66): Up to £300 in support.
- Households with Children Under 18 or Young Adults in Full-Time Education: Up to £500 in support.
- Households with Pensioners (ages 66+): Up to £300, depending on circumstances.
How Is the Grant Distributed?
The support is provided directly to energy suppliers or through online portals. For households with prepayment meters, vouchers will be issued via the Post Office, which can be used to top up your energy account. It’s important to note that these vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash and are strictly for energy usage.
For applicants in Worcestershire, the support is applied directly to your energy account, offering a straightforward way to reduce your bills.
What Other Support Is Available?
The Helping Hand Scheme is not limited to just Worcestershire. Other councils across the UK are offering varying amounts of support. For instance, St Helens Borough Council in Merseyside provides help with fuel, food, and utility debts, alongside assistance with buying furniture or white goods.
In Milton Keynes, eligible applicants can receive energy vouchers worth up to £300, with those just missing out on the winter fuel payment receiving up to £300. Coventry Council is offering energy grants of up to £120 for single people and childless couples, while families can get £160. Medway Council is also participating, providing £100 electronic energy cards to those in demonstrable hardship.
How Do You Know If You Qualify?
The Helping Hand Scheme is not just for people receiving benefits. It is also open to low-income households that may not receive traditional benefits but still struggle with day-to-day living costs. To qualify for the scheme, you must meet certain criteria:
- Be a resident in an area that participates in the HSF (each local council handles its own distribution).
- Have a household income below a certain threshold, usually £31,000 or less.
- Show evidence of financial hardship, such as three consecutive months of bank statements.
Even if you don’t receive benefits, it’s still worth applying, as the scheme provides support to those in need regardless of benefit status.
How to Apply?
To apply for help through the Helping Hand Scheme, visit your local council’s website and check for the specific eligibility criteria and application process. Each council may have slightly different rules and methods for distributing funds, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Key Takeaways:
- The Helping Hand Scheme offers grants of up to £500 for struggling households to cover energy and water bills.
- The amount you receive depends on your income, benefits, and whether you have children or elderly family members.
- Payments are distributed directly to energy suppliers, or through vouchers for prepayment meters.
- If you’re in financial hardship, you may be eligible for help even if you don’t currently receive benefits.
- Check with your local council for more information and application details.
This financial support is a lifeline for many struggling households facing rising energy and water costs. Don’t miss out—if you’re eligible, make sure to apply today and relieve some of the financial pressure on your family.
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