Brits are being urged to apply for help with their energy bills worth up to £500. However, they need to act quickly, as applications for the Household Support Fund (HSF) are open for only a limited time.

The government-funded initiative, which runs until March 31, 2026, provides money to local councils to help people with their bills. Funding is now available to residents across Worcestershire, and you can apply through the Act On Energy website. However, certain criteria need to be met to get the cash boost.

To be eligible for support, people need to:

• Live in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District
• Have a gross household income of £24,570 or less a year if you’re single with no children, or £31,000 for all other households (excluding benefits)
• Have no household savings
• Meet one of five vulnerability criteria, including being in receipt of DWP benefits, of state pension age, or having young children under four years old.

Households with children under 18 or young adults up to 21 in full-time education can receive up to £500 in help. Meanwhile, households without children can receive up to £300 in energy support.

Local councils across England are offering support through their own allocations of the Household Support Fund. Britons living in other parts of the country are urged to check their council’s website or call the office to find out what support is available.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “On October 30, 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund, including funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion. This means that Local Authorities in England will receive an additional £742 million to support those in need locally through the Household Support Fund.

“The funding will be available to Local Authorities in England from April 1, 2025 and will run until March 31, 2026.”

Financial support is also available for repairing or replacing your boiler and heating systems. The HSF will be replaced by the new Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 1, offering cash and support to struggling families.

Local councils will be given funding and have been told to take a “cash first” approach to help low-income families. This means they will offer cash, bank transfers or vouchers first.