THOUSANDS of households have just weeks left to get a cash boost this month to help them with the cost of living.
The help comes via Kent County Council's Household Support Fund – and is designed to help households cope with exponentially rising living costs.
The scheme is funded by the UK government and aims to prioritise the county's most vulnerable households struggling to keep up with the eye-watering bills.
Kent County Council have assured that successful applicants will begin receiving support by the end of March – in the form of a £100 Post Office cash-out voucher.
It comes as the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), which is set at £2,500, is currently set to rise by £500 in April.
It determines how much the average household pays for energy bills.
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Although, as part of next week's Budget the Chancellor is now expected to extend the current EPG until July rather than increasing it.
Who is eligible?
There is a set criteria on eligibility.
You will be able to apply if you:
- are aged 16 or over
- are a Kent resident, permanently living within one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (this excludes Medway, Bexley, or Bromley)
- are in receipt of means tested benefits, or your household income is less than £30,000 per annum before tax
- do not have more than £250 in savings
- do not receive free school meals support for any child within your household.
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The latest you can apply is 31 March 2023.
However, the deadline may be brought forward if the budget has been spent, so you are urged to apply as soon as you can if you satisfy the eligibility quota.
How do I apply?
If you follow this link, comprehensive instructions will guide you until your application has been completed.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, assessment officers will be on hand to contact you as soon as possible.
There are other support pages available for those who require urgent or immediate assistance.
My application was declined, what do I do now?
If your claim was declined, you are welcome to appeal the decision in the seven days which follow.
Following an unsuccessful appeal, there are other support services provided by Kent County Council.
These can aid you in checking eligibility for other benefits and guidance to reducing your energy bills.
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The Sun Online have reported how Money saving expert Martin Lewis has urged thousands of Brits to claim a new £400 energy bill help.
Elswhere, over 900,000 households could be in line to receive a £400 energy bill discount to help with their energy bills.
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