Struggling households in Worcestershire are encouraged to check their eligibility for potential energy bill support of up to £500. The assistance is being provided by Worcestershire County Council specifically for residents in the area.
To qualify for the support, individuals must reside in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District, and have a gross household income not exceeding £24,570 per year for single individuals without children. For all other households, the income threshold is £31,000, excluding any existing benefits.
Additionally, applicants must have no household savings and meet one of five vulnerability criteria, such as receiving DWP benefits, being of state pension age, or having children under four years old. Families with children under 18 or young adults up to 21 in full-time education could receive up to £500 in energy assistance, while other households may be eligible for up to £300 in support.
The energy payments will be disbursed directly to the supplier or through Post Office vouchers for pre-payment customers. Interested individuals can apply for the scheme through the Act On Energy website. The support is part of the Household Support Fund initiated by Worcestershire County Council to aid vulnerable families in the region.
For those outside Worcestershire seeking similar assistance, it is advisable to contact their local council to inquire about available support options. Different councils, like Surrey County Council, are providing aid through supermarket vouchers valued up to £300, redeemable at various supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, and Waitrose.
In Nottingham, the City Council is distributing £100 vouchers to low-income or benefit-receiving individuals, with 10,000 vouchers to be allocated randomly. Wakefield Council is offering food vouchers to households on low income and receiving council tax assistance. Pensioners receiving Council Tax Support have already received a £70 voucher, with additional vouchers planned for other eligible households.
Lastly, families receiving Council Tax Support in Wakefield can expect a £50 voucher from December 15, while other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will receive a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12.