THOUSANDS of households can get up to £600 of free cost of living cash.
The money comes from the Government’s Household Support Fund, which has given councils a share of £742million to help struggling residents.
Eligibility criteria varies depending on where you live but help is usually offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Eligible households in Richmond, London, will get payments of up to £600 to help cover the cost of food, energy bills, clothes or other household essentials.
Those on Universal Credit or other benefits can apply but you don’t need to be receiving them to get the cash.
How much you will get depends on the number of people in your household and if you have any children.
Households with one or more adults could get grants of up to £300.
Meanwhile, for those with one child the payment rises to £500.
Or families with two children or more can get up to £600.
To be eligible for the grant you must be over the age of 18 and live in the London Borough of Richmond.
You also need to be struggling with the impact of rising cost of food and energy or continue to be impacted by Covid-19.
This could be for a variety of reasons including:
If your application is successful then you will get the grant via a BACS payment into your account or as supermarket vouchers.
For more information on the grant or to apply contact Citizens Advice Richmond by calling 080 82 78 78 73. The lines are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can also apply for the grant by completing an online form on the richmond.gov.uk website.
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you’re using. To check if it’s finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water’s free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it’s ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you’re struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
Portsmouth residents who are struggling to pay their bills can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000.
But applications close at 12 noon on June 12 so you will need to act fast.
Applications may also close early if the funds have been used up.
You will need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts.
You will also need to explain what you have done to improve your financial situation and why you need the help.
The exact amount you receive depends on your household size.
The maximum amount is £800 for six or more people.
One person can get £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people £600 and five people £700.
Households who are considered to have the greatest need can be awarded a further £200, bringing their total payment up to £1,000.
To apply, visit the portsmouth.gov.uk website.
Thousands of households in North Somerset can apply for £100 worth of cash to help with the cost of living.
The fund will see more than £2.3million handed out to struggling families, pensioners and vulnerable residents across the region.
As part of this, children across North Somerset will be provided with a food voucher next month.
In total, around 5,200 children who are eligible for free school meals will automatically receive a £100 food voucher in June with no application required.
Thousands of families in Hull can apply for £200 worth of cash this summer.
The fund will be used to give eligible pensioners £200 to help them cover their costs after the Government made cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Meanwhile, low income families will be eligible for a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for free school meals.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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DUNNES Stores has released the ultimate summer dress – and it’s perfect for any occasion.
One shopper has taken to social media to share a look at the new must-have item.
Megan Durkan shared a short video to Instagram under the username @makeupwithmegand.
In the video, she shows what the dress looks like on the model and on her.
Taking to the caption of the post, she wrote: “Dunnes Stores Dress of the Summer.
“No caption needed for this @dunnesstores@savida.ds dress. PERFECTION!!”
At the beginning of the video, she shows the gorgeous dress on the model.
In a close-up, she shows the ribbed detailing on the skirt, which adds another element of chic to the dress.
The Savida Red Shirred Waist Midi Dress is a bargain, costing just €35.
Shoppers can pick up the dress in sizes XXS to XXL – though some of the sizes have already sold out online.
Sizes XL and XXL have both sold out online, but may still be available in your local store.
The gorgeous dress features a fitted waist with a flowing skirt underneath.
This is perfect for showing off your curves, creating a stunningly flattering silhouette.
It also features two puffy sleeves, with a square neckline.
And on the chest there is a tie-up detail, making it perfect for the summer season.
In an official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion chiefs said: “Cut from a lightweight cotton blend fabric that moves with your body, this midi-length dress boasts an all-over shirred gingham pattern.
“With a square neckline and voluminous puff sleeves for a romantic touch, it is an ultra-feminine piece that is perfect for outdoor occasions.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
Trying it on, Megan looks stunning in the fitted piece as the fitted waist and flowing skirt accentuates her shape.
She pairs the dress with a pair of red high heels, creating the perfect outfit for any event.
In the comments section of the post, other shoppers shared their opinions on the piece.
One person said: “I have it. Love it on.”
Another wrote: “That’s nice.”
Someone else said: “Stunning.”
The dress is available in stores and online now – but is set to fly off the shelves.
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.