Households set for free £200 Cost of Living vouchers 'which they can cash'

UK households set for free £200 Cost of Living vouchers 'which they can cash' at Post Office

by · Birmingham Live

UK households are set to be handed £200 Cost of Living vouchers "which they can cash" as they continue to struggle with the financial demands of 2024. Reading Borough Council is offering a £200 voucher to those who live in Reading to those who are of state pension age and in receipt of a Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit, but are not eligible for Pension Credit.

The council will send the vouchers to everyone who is eligible from December. The money is part of the Household Support Fund, from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ), which the Labour Party government has moved to extend.

The vouchers will then need to be cashed in at the Post Office by February 10, 2025. In Reading, funding was allocated for the provision of direct financial support to low-income households with children in receipt of pupil premium/free school meals, and care leavers.

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It was also used for an application-based scheme that allows residents to apply for support if they are struggling financially and to support to low-income households affected by the cost-of-living, along with specific funding to VCS organisations who provide residents from low-income households with support for school uniforms.

It was also used for financial support to pensioners on low incomes who do not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment from government and in line with government guidance, a small proportion of the funding is being used to cover administration costs.

The Council’s HSF helpline is available between 10am to 12pm, and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday. A contact line for applicants is available between 10am and 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday-Friday.

The application for support from the Household Support Fund is made via the online form on the council website. This form can be completed by the resident or by someone else (such as a local advice organisation), if needed.