THOUSANDS of households have only hours left to apply for up to £500 of free cash before a key scheme closes this week.
Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund.
The scheme was set up in 2021 and has since been extended by the Government several times.
How much you are eligible for depends on where you are based, your circumstances and the help on offer.
Every council has been given a share of a £742million pot of cash, which they can give out to residents in need.
But the scheme ends on March 31, so you will need to be quick if you want financial help.
Some councils have already spent all of the cash they have been given, while others are still taking applications from those in need.
For example, struggling households in Camden, London, could get financial help worth up to £500.
To be eligible for the payment you must be struggling to afford the essentials or be in an emergency financial situation.
You need to have lived in Camden for at least six weeks, be the main tenant or Council Tax payer, be aged over 16 and in severe financial hardship.
You can apply for the money online by visiting camden.gov.uk.
During your application you will need to provide information about the benefits you receive, your most recent bank statements and evidence of any debt you have.
Meanwhile, households in Bromley, Greater London, can still apply for up to £150 free cash.
They can choose between a virtual energy card, supermarket voucher or credit to their council tax account.
To be eligible you need to be over the age of 16 and live in Bromley.
You will also need to prove that you are in rent, energy or council tax arrears.
During your application you will be required to provide proof of income and evidence that you are unable to meet your arrears by submitting bank statements from the last three months.
For more information and to apply visit bromley.gov.uk.
Meanwhile, households in Doncaster can get up to £400 to help with the cost of food and energy.
To get the cash you will need to be eligible for housing benefit, a council tax reduction, universal credit or means-tested free school meals.
Those who are entitled to the cash will get £100 for every dependent child they have.
You need to receive Child Benefit for these children.
Meanwhile, you could also get a single payment of £100 to help with the cost of your energy bill.
For more information and to apply visit Doncaster.gov.uk.
What is the new Crisis and Resilience Fund?
The Household Support Fund is being replaced by the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which launches on April 1.
As part of the scheme councils will be given free cash to those in need instead of targeted support such as supermarket vouchers.
There is £1billion in funding available, £842million of which will go to those in England.
The thinking is that households will be able to make decisions that best meet their needs.
Households won’t need to be on benefits to get the handouts as anyone on a low income or who is facing a financial shock will be eligible.
