Vulnerable households in Blackpool have a crucial deadline approaching to secure vital financial help with their energy costs. A government-funded scheme administered by Blackpool Council is offering direct payments of up to £300 to be credited to energy bills, with applications being processed ahead of the scheme's end date.
What is the Blackpool Household Support Fund?
The support comes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which has provided funding to Blackpool Council to assist residents struggling with the rising cost of living. The initiative is specifically designed to help those in financial hardship who are finding it difficult to meet their immediate, short-term needs.
The current phase of the scheme officially runs from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, or until the allocated funding is exhausted. This means eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
The amount a household receives depends on its size. Qualifying households with one or two people (which includes children) are eligible for an award of £200. Larger households are set to receive more, with qualifying households of three or more people (including children) in line for a £300 payment.
There are strict eligibility criteria. The scheme is open to Blackpool residents only. All household members must be permanent residents at the supply address. For children to be counted, they must live at the address permanently and have Child Benefit paid to that address.
The applicant must be over 16, live in Blackpool, and be responsible for paying the household bills. Crucially, they must be experiencing genuine financial hardship. Blackpool Council has stated that only one award will be made per household within any 12-month period, due to limited funds.
How to Apply and Required Evidence
If successful, the award will not be paid directly to the resident. Instead, it will be paid straight to the household's energy provider or to United Utilities for water bills. The money will then appear as a credit on the recipient's bill or on their pre-payment gas or electricity meter.
The application process requires specific documentation to prove eligibility and need. Applicants must provide:
- The most recent full month's bank, building society, or savings account statements for all accounts held by the applicant and every other adult in the household. These statements must show all transactions, not just the closing balance.
- A copy of a recent electricity, gas, or water bill that clearly shows the applicant's name and address, the supplier's name, and the account number.
For those with pre-payment meters, the process is slightly different. They will need to access their online account with their energy supplier and provide a screenshot showing their name, address, supplier, and pre-pay account number. Residents with landlord-fitted meters who do not have a direct account should upload a letter from their landlord or letting agent confirming the payment arrangement.
This targeted support represents a critical lifeline for many families in Blackpool facing continued pressure from high energy prices. Residents who believe they meet the criteria are urged to gather their documents and submit an application to the council without delay to access this vital financial assistance.
