THOUSANDS of families are being urged to check if they are eligible for up to an extra £350 before Christmas.
The government's Household Support fund is being distributed by councils throughout the country and application deadlines are approaching.
The funds are intended to assist with essential expenses such as energy bills, as well as other necessities like food, and clothing.
Each council's allocation of the £842million fund will vary so the amount available for residents will differ.
The current funding is available until March 2024.
Some councils will be making automatic payments to eligible residents while others may be handing out vouchers.
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Those who live in Tandrige will soon be able to apply for up to £350 in free cash.
Single households will get £150 while those with children will receive £350 under the scheme.
Tandridge District Council has revealed applications for its fund will open at 10am on December 11.
To be eligible, you or the person you are applying on behalf of must:
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- Be over the age of 16.
- Live in the Tandridge district.
- Be in financial difficulty and struggling to meet the cost of essential items
Once the council receives an application and supporting evidence it will be assessed and a decision made.
Residents can expect to be paid 10 days after their applications are approved, meaning you could get cash before Christmas.
However, it's important to note the council offices will be closed on December 22 and over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
The council has said the fund will close as soon as the funding has been exhausted, meaning it's best to act sooner rather than later.
If you don't live in Tandridge, fear not as there is still help available.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Once you've found your council, there should be information on what's available and how to apply on its website.
Those living in Dudley could get up to £275 to help towards the cost of living from next month.
In North Yorkshire, thousands of locals received electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325.
In other councils – including Buckinghamshire, North Norfolk and Shropshire – details are still being finalised for the period between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024
What other help is out there?
Council tax discount
There are a number of discounts you could get, depending on your circumstances. To apply for any of the below discounts, go through the government website.
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn't have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
Grants and hardship funds
You may be able to get a grant from your energy supplier if you're really struggling and need help paying off debts.
Scottish Power, for example, gives up to £750 per household to the most hard-up households.
Most hardship funds have no deadline and you can apply all year round.
There is no specific eligibility criteria, but most customers who get help are in arrears on their bill.
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