News from Reading Borough Council
As part of the council’s Household Support Fund scheme this year, any Reading borough resident can now apply for financial support. Priority will go to low-income households who are struggling financially. That primarily means those in receipt of low-income benefits or other related state benefits, and residents who are not in receipt of those benefits but have specific circumstances that have negatively impacted their overall cost of living, such as unexpected or increased expenditure.
To find out more about eligibility and what information you will need to provide, go to the council’s Household Support Fund page, and if you wish to apply you can do so through the online application portal.
The deadline for the first phase of applications is the end of November, with a second phase starting in December and running until the end of March 2024 (households can apply in both phases). Households whose applications are successful will receive an initial payment of £125, although please be aware this figure may change depending on take-up.
Whether you are eligible or not, remember that the council’s Money Matters web pages bring together useful advice and resources on coping with the cost-of-living crisis, from dealing with your housing and utility bills to looking after your welfare and mental health.