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HOUSEHOLDS should get in quick to apply for a £200 government cash boost that can help with bills.

There are just weeks left to apply for the money coming through the UK Government’s Household Support Fund.

GettyA payment of £200 is available for couples or families who are eligible[/caption]

It is intended to help residents most in need with their everyday essentials, such as food and energy bills.

The Household Support Fund also helps prevent people from falling into financial crisis, or going further into it.

Residents in Portsmouth may also be able to benefit from the new Utilities Scheme that is being opened by the Council, using funding from the Household Support Fund.

This scheme is targeted at certain groups who are most likely to be struggling from the rising energy and water bills.

The funding is available to specified low-income household types, which are subject to Portsmouth City Council’s minimum income thresholds.

These households include those who are:

Pensioners – in receipt of Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance

Carers and caring households – in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or the Carers Element of Universal Credit

Care leavers and care experienced adults

Low-income working aged adults unable to work – those with Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) who are not receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Single parents – in receipt of Universal Credit

Following income thresholds apply of:

£935 for a single adult household

£1,350 for a couple or family (including single parent families)

A payment may also be made of £150 for a single person household, or £200 for a couple or family where eligible.

This new Utilities Payment Scheme is expected to launch at the end of summer, and those eligible can register their interest online by submitting an expression of interest form.

Portsmouth City Council also has available the Exception Hardship Scheme, for those in severe financial hardship and unable to afford essentials.

Those looking to apply will need to provide evidence of income and bank accounts.

You will also need to explain what you have been doing to improve your financial situation, and why you need help.

There are four application windows to apply.

First window – now closed

Second window – now open

Third window – opens in October

Fourth window – opens in January

The second window, which is currently open, will close at midday on Monday, September 1.

There is a limited pot of funding for the Exception Hardship Scheme, and the window round have been distributed.

The Council is also providing various support schemes for families, including a £50 supermarket voucher for children eligible, and years R to 11 benefits related to free school meals.

Applications must be submitted for this by 12 noon on September 25, with limited funding also being given out.

It comes as households in North Northamptonshire have been able to also apply for the government’s Household Support Fund after the deadline was extended multiple times.