Thousands of households to get £40 free cash paid direct into bank account before Christmas – are you one of them?

THOUSANDS of households are set to receive a minimum £40 in free cash before Christmas.

The money comes via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421 million.

The scheme was first introduced last year, but has been extended three times with the latest fund being distributed between October and March 2023.

Councils across England have been allotted a portion of £421 million and then decide how to distribute it.

That means what you’ll get will depend on where you live, and eligibility criteria varies.

Thousands of parents in Essex are set to receive free meal vouchers worth up to £30.

Meanwhile, households in York can get help worth up to £300.

Now, thousands of households in Warrington, Cheshire, are set to receive at least £40 direct into their bank accounts before Christmas.

The £40 payment is the second of three being made before March next year.

The first was made to cover the October school half-term holidays.

Warrington Council has said anyone who received the first payment doesn’t need to re-apply for the second as the money will be paid into bank accounts automatically.

However, if you’ve not already received help from the council and get free school meals, pension credit, council tax support or housing benefit, you can apply for the fund.

If you apply now for the second payment you will get the first payment backdated.

You can apply on Warrington Council’s website but you’ll need to register, or if you already have an account you can sign in.

Anyone with questions about the application process can email [email protected]

Can I get help if I don’t live in Warrington?

Yes. But what you can get and whether you’re eligible will depend on where you live.

This is because each council is deciding how they allocate their portion of the HSF.

But, in most cases, help is distributed to those on a low incomes or benefits.

Some councils distribute the cash automatically and in some areas you have to apply for help.

It might come via vouchers for food or as a simple bank transfer.

Households in Guildford, Surrey, are being offered up to £400 worth of help.

Meanwhile, Shropshire Council started handing out payments worth £180 in November.