Thousands of households in Blackpool are set to receive vital financial support through a new government scheme providing payments of up to £300, separate from the standard Winter Fuel Allowance.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has established the Household Support Fund to provide short-term financial assistance to residents struggling with living costs. Blackpool Council is administering the scheme locally, with payments specifically designed to help those in financial difficulty.
Eligible households consisting of one or two people will receive £200, while households with three or more members will receive the higher payment of £300. The support is available to state pensioners who meet the criteria and are experiencing financial hardship.
Who Can Apply for the Payment?
The eligibility requirements for the Blackpool Household Support Fund are straightforward. Applicants must be aged 16 or over and be a resident of Blackpool Council. Crucially, applicants must also be responsible for paying household bills, demonstrating genuine need for financial assistance.
The council has emphasised the importance of providing complete documentation, stating: "Please ensure you have the required evidence available before starting your application. Applications submitted without all the required supporting evidence will not be processed."
How to Apply and What to Expect
Residents facing difficulties gathering evidence or uploading documents are encouraged to contact the dedicated support team via email at blackpoolhouseholdsupport@blackpool.gov.uk.
Due to anticipated high demand, the council warns that processing may take several weeks. "We aim to assess applications as quickly as possible and strictly in the date order they are received," a council spokesperson explained. "Due to the expected high number of applications it may take several weeks before your application is considered."
The council has also issued a strong warning against fraudulent claims, noting that investigations may lead to criminal proceedings under the Theft Act 1968. While there's no formal appeals process for the discretionary scheme, residents can request a review if they believe relevant information was overlooked.
This additional support comes at a critical time for many families and pensioners in Blackpool facing increased financial pressure during the winter months.
