DWP offering £300 free cash to those in need with March 31 deadline

Households hit by the cost of living crisis could be eligible for a £300 boost through a DWP initiative that runs until March 31. The Household Support Fund allocates funds to local councils, which in turn offer various forms of financial assistance to residents.

This can include direct payments, as well as vouchers for groceries or energy bills. Each council has its own set of support measures, leading to variations in aid depending on your postcode.

Department for Work and Pensions guidance states: "The objective of the fund is to provide crisis support to vulnerable households in most need with the cost of essentials. Authorities are expected to offer support throughout the duration of the fund period and must develop delivery plans to reflect this."

In Doncaster, for instance, residents can apply for a one-off £300 payment to help with energy costs. The scheme is open to all who are finding it tough to meet their bill payments, regardless of whether they receive government benefits.

However, an approved "referrer" must make the application on behalf of the household. Potential referrers encompass several groups:

Taking Doncaster Council's guidelines as an example, households can only be referred once within the six-month funding window. Therefore, if you've already received the £300 in October, you're ineligible for another claim at this time, reports the Mirror.

If you haven't, you have until March 31 to seek this aid before the current Household Support Scheme concludes. Those requiring assistance with their grocery shopping can also apply for supermarket e-vouchers, valued up to £65 per household, plus an additional £20 for each dependent child under the age of 18. This scheme operates through referrals.

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