Bolton residents just have days left to apply for support from Bolton Council to help with the cost of living crisis.

Bolton Council has received £2.78 million to help residents who are finding it hard to meet ends as prices continue to increase.

And the help is not limited to those on benefits.

The Government has made available £421M in the Household Support Fund to local authorities to support those most in need to help with global inflationary challenges and the significantly rising cost of living.

This funding covers the period 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 inclusive. Local Authorities(LAs) have discretion on exactly how this funding is used but, says the Government, it should be aimed particularly at those who may not be eligible for the other support which has been made available but who are nevertheless in need and who require crisis support.

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Bolton Council is using the fund in the following ways

Those who need help with food, gas, electric or household goods, can apply for Local Welfare Provision.

Residents do not need to receive benefits to apply for this help.

People's identity will be checked, that they live in Bolton as well as income and expenses are to check if applicants are entitled to Local Welfare Provision.

Children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)

Families already receiving FSM or who meet the criteria for FSM but have pre school age children, will get help during the holiday periods.

Vouchers will automatically be sent out

Help for people who are working age

Those who are working age and receive Employment Support Allowance Income Related or have a disability premium in Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support award, Bolton Council is providing additional help.

Those who are eligible will receive a £30 Supermarket voucher. It is one voucher per qualifying household. Vouchers need to be redeemed by 16th April 2023.

Community Support

The Household Support Fund is also being used to provide grants to a range of community-based organisations via Bolton’s Fund (Bolton CVS). These organisations will be providing a range of support across the Borough to residents in financial need.

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The Community Housing Services HSF grant is discretionary and awards will be assessed on the information available at https://www.boltonsmoneyskills.org.uk/hsf. It is a limited pot of money, and it will be awarded on a first come first served basis. It is available from now until the end of March 2023.

The Household Support Fund is open to those aged 16+ who are being financially impacted by the cost-of-living situation and have savings of less than £2000.

The grant can help:

Families, both lone parents and couples, who are responsible for at least one child

Single people

People in need of additional support. A person in need of additional support may include, but is not restricted to:

Anyone suffering severe financial hardship

Anyone who has a disability

People who are seriously ill or have a severe long term health condition

Someone aged 24 or under with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC)

Recently unemployed people

People on zero-hour contracts

Care leavers

Those fleeing domestic abuse

Those who have difficulty in understanding, speaking or reading English

People do not need to be claiming DWP welfare benefits to be eligible to make a claim.

To be eligible to apply for the Household Support Fund (HSF), the application must pay their council tax to Bolton Council and be responsible for the payment of utility bills, mortgage or rent at the property.

For more information visit https://www.bolton.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund/1

The Government says that Funds should be spent or committed before 31 March 2023 and cannot be carried over for future usage.

But it has made £842m available from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 inclusive for local authorities to use as they see fit.