Struggling households in Worcestershire are encouraged to verify their eligibility for potential support of up to £500 for energy bills. To qualify, residents must reside in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District and have a gross annual household income of £24,570 or less if single with no children. The income threshold is £31,000 for other households, excluding existing benefits.
Additionally, applicants must not have household savings, meet one of five vulnerability criteria, such as receiving DWP benefits, being of state pension age, or having children under four. Families with children under 18 or young adults up to 21 in full-time education could receive up to £500, while other households could receive up to £300 in support.
The energy assistance will be disbursed directly to the supplier or through Post Office vouchers for pre-payment customers. The support is part of the Household Support Fund provided by Worcestershire County Council to help vulnerable families. If not in Worcestershire, individuals are advised to contact their local council for available support.
For instance, Surrey County Council is offering supermarket vouchers up to £300, redeemable at various supermarkets like Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, and more. The scheme is open to Surrey residents over 18 with household savings under £2,000 and an annual income below £27,007.50.
Nottingham City Council is distributing £100 vouchers to low-income individuals or those on benefits. Vouchers will be randomly allocated to 10,000 households, and recipients can apply regardless of previous vouchers. Wakefield Council is providing food vouchers to low-income households receiving council tax assistance.
Council Tax Support pensioners have received £70 vouchers and additional vouchers are scheduled for other households. Families with Council Tax Support will receive £50 vouchers from December 15, while other supported households will get £70 vouchers between December 3 and 12.