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THOUSANDS of households can get £160 free cash directly into their bank accounts this month.

The help comes as part of the latest round of Household Support Fund which is worth £842million.

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Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.

Grants on offer vary by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.

It was due to end in March this year but was extended until April 2024 meaning households can get more support.

You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.

As an example, thousands of people living in Cornwall can get £160 in support.

Those who apply will get two payments of £80 directly into their bank accounts.

The first payment will be sent by June and the second between October and November.

Those who qualify include:

• Pensions receiving pension credit and other vulnerable adults
• Families with children between reception and Year 11 ages on low income and receiving benefits, or free school meals.

Households do not need to apply – the money will be sent to you automatically.

However, if you think you qualify but don’t receive the cash, it’s worth chasing Cornwall Council to see if you’re able to get it.

Will I get help if I don’t live in Cornwall?

Yes – many other councils across the UK are offering financial support via the HSF.

Some are handing out vouchers, while others are making bank transfers to eligible residents.

The amount you are entitled to will vary depending on the area you live in too.

Residents living in Brent could get up to £1,000 in support towards food and council tax bills.

The best thing to do is find out who your local council is and see what their eligibility criteria is for receiving help through the fund.

You can find out what council area you fall under by using the GOV.UK checker.

Bear in mind that lots of councils haven’t opened the application process for the next round of funding.

What other help is on offer?

If you live in Cornwall and don’t meet the criteria for the Household Support Fund, there is other help on offer.

Millions of households are in line for cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.

The first instalment of the £900 payment is being made to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, as of April 25

Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners.

You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Attendance Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance for adults
• Disability Living Allowance for children
• Personal Independence Payment
• Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

If you are eligible for the payment, it will be made this summer.

Meanwhile, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.

You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.

Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.

You should check if you are entitled to any benefits that qualify you for the cost of living payments.

Some charities have benefits calculators that will give you a rough estimate of what you could be in line for. That includes:

• Turn2Us
• Policy in Practice
• EntitledTo

Remember though, these calculators offer estimates of what you could receive, and aren’t 100% accurate.

But they do serve to remind you of what extra help you could be entitled to.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk