People in Reading who are struggling to make ends meet in the cost of living crisis could be eligible to receive financial support.

Applications are open for cost of living payments from Reading Borough Council which is focused on helping struggling households, who could receive a £125 support payment.

The money is being dished out thanks to the council’s Household Support Fund, which has been designed to help low-income households who are struggling financially and who are at higher risk of falling into crisis.

Low-income households are defined as those receiving low-income benefits or other related state benefits, such as a Personal Independence Payment(PIP), and those who do not receive any income-based or other state benefits but have specific circumstances that have negatively impacted their cost of living, such as an unexpected or increased expenditure.

People can now apply for financial support from the Household Support Fund on the council’s website.

Applicants who are successful will receive an initial payment of £125, however, this figure may change depending on how many people receive support from the scheme.

READ MORE: Thousands to receive £65 support through Household Support Fund

The applications are being administered in two phases, with the deadline for applications in the first phase being the end of November. A second phase is set to be launched in December and will close in March 2024.

Encouraging residents to apply, Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) the council leader, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is ongoing and continues to have the greatest effect on the very people who can least afford it. As we approach winter, costs like heating, energy and food bills can go up, and people can find themselves in financial trouble.

“The council has designed a targeted local scheme for Reading which seeks to help residents who, for a variety of reasons, may be struggling.

“I’d urge residents to take some time to check the council’s website as they may be eligible for support, and to refer back to it over the coming months should their personal circumstances change.”

Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), the deputy leader, added: “This application element is the latest phase of a comprehensive package of support for residents who we know are struggling in the face of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis which shows no signs of slowing.

“We know there are people in our communities who will again struggle to cope with paying for heating and for food this winter.

“We also know that for very many others a small change in their personal circumstances, or an unexpected cost out of the blue, can put them in real difficulty.

“While the council is limited in just how many people we can support, we hope our local scheme reaches those who are experiencing financial challenges and will help provide a small element of respite for people who need the most help.”

Reading Borough Council’s household support fund policy was agreed at a policy committee on Monday, July 10.

READ MORE: Support vouchers dispatched to needy families and people in Reading

The scheme runs until the end of March next year, and has been enabled thanks to the council receiving £2.261 million (£2,261,298) from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to help vulnerable households.

Earlier this year a £125 payment was sent to the estimated 3,888 families across Reading who receive Pupil Premium free school meals, and to an estimated 236 care leavers. A second voucher will be sent out to eligible families in December.

Furthermore, one-off payment of £450 will also be made to an estimated 909 older people, who are above pension age and receive Housing Benefit, but do not receive the direct Government support provided to recipients of other DWP benefits.

Eligible pensioners should receive the payment directly into their bank accounts in October.