Thousands of households could receive £900 in emergency cost of living payment

11/15/2023

With the cost of living crisis, it's safe to say many Brits are feeling the pinch this winter.

Fortunately there are schemes to provide struggling households with free money. Now thousands of people could receive an emergency cash payment worth up to £900.

The support is being given out by the London Council of Hammersmith and Fulham via the Household Support Fund. It will provide help to many financially struggling Brits.

READ MORE: Brits could be entitled to free cost of living payment worth hundreds this month

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The government scheme means each council can decide how it spends its money and the help could come in many forms, including supermarket vouchers or energy support.

Now Hammersmith and Fulham Council says it will be making cash payments to around 2,000 residents in the area this winter. You would have to be claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.

A further 500 one-off payments will be made to young care leavers in the area, although Hammersmith and Fulham Council hasn't confirmed how much yet.

Also the council will be providing emergency payments – called "Crisis Prevention Payment" – to households who don't have enough money for food, gas or electricity.

Struggling residents could be paid up to £900 across three different payments until March 2024 when the Household Support Scheme ends. They will need to apply for the crisis payment.

The amount they can receive will depend on their circumstances, as well as the size of their household. According to the council's website, you'll be eligible for the emergency payments if you:

Are in severe financial hardship and without support
Need immediate help and have no other source of financial support available to them

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Hammersmith and Fulham Council said you don't need to receive government benefits to apply, but will need to show you don't have other money available.

To get the crisis payment you must:

Be a resident of Hammersmith and Fulham
Be 18 years of age or older or 16 and responsible for younger children
Be responsible for council tax or living independently and paying rent
Have less than £1,000 in total savings at the time you apply
Not have enough money for your short-term essential living expenses, due to an unexpected financial crisis, disaster or emergency

Hammersmith and Fulham Council says applications will only be assessed for people who meet the eligibility criteria and fall into one of these groups.

In your application, you'll need to provide information on where you live, as well as personal circumstances, income, health and what help you're applying for.

You'll also need to provide evidence of your application. If you fail to within 14 days, your application may be refused. For more information, visit Hammersmith and Fulham Council's website.

Alternatively you can call the council's cost of living crisis team on 0800 917 6994. The phone line is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

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