Another round of financial support for residents opens today

If you are struggling to pay for food, bills and other everyday things, the council can help. You can now apply for money from the Household Support Fund (HSF).

How much money can I get?

If your application is accepted, you will get £200.

Can I apply if I got help before?

Yes. You can apply even if you got HSF money or vouchers before.

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• You get income-based benefits
• You don't get benefits but you're struggling to pay for essentials

If you don't get benefits, the Council will look at your income, bills and savings to decide if you can get help.

Can everyone apply?

No. You cannot apply if you have more than £2,000 in savings.

What happens after I apply?

The council will take time to consider your application. You won't get the money straight away.

About the money

The government gave Reading Borough Council nearly £2 million to help local people with living costs. The council is now offering more help because they want to support people who need it most.

This is the third time people have been able to apply. The payment has gone up each time - it was £100 the first time, £150 the second time, and now it's £200.

Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:

“The council has now opened a third window for applications for financial support, and it has increased the payments to £200 for successful applications.

“We know January and February are months where costs can catch up with households.  We want to ensure the Government’s Household Support Fund reaches those residents and communities who require our support this winter and I’d urge residents to visit www.reading.gov.uk/HSF to check if they may be eligible and to submit an application, which could make all the difference at this difficult time of year.

“As part of this year’s HSF scheme the council has already successfully administered over 3,000 applications, and we want to see that figure rise in the weeks to come.”

For more cost of living advice or support, please visit the council’s Money Matters advice pages.