Residents in Darlington who are facing financial hardship are being encouraged to apply for a one-off £100 payment to help with essential household costs.

The payment is part of the Household Support Fund, a government initiative designed to assist people affected by the cost of living crisis.

The scheme is being administered by Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland, in partnership with Darlington Borough Council.

To qualify for the support, applicants must be Darlington borough residents who are responsible for housing costs, such as rent or a mortgage, or be registered as homeless with the council.

They must also be part of a low-income household, in financial hardship, or have debts of £5,000 or more.

Applicants must not have already received an award from the Household Support Fund in this round and must not have any savings.

The scheme is available to those who meet these criteria and are in urgent need of financial assistance due to the ongoing cost of living pressures.

The application window is open until March 31, 2025, but residents are urged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they receive the support.

The online application form can be accessed through a link provided on the Citizens Advice website.

For residents who do not have internet access at home, Citizens Advice is offering IT drop-in sessions at their office on Church Row.

These sessions take place every Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 4 pm and Thursday from 10.30 am to 1 pm.

Free computer access is also available at Darlington libraries for those who need it. Applicants will be notified by email if their application is successful.

Lola McEvoy, Labour MP for Darlington, expressed her support for the scheme, saying: “I am really pleased that this additional support has been made available through the Government’s extension of the Household Support Fund.

"It will mean that help is there for those in our community who need it most.

“It is important that we look after the most vulnerable in our society, particularly with the cost of living crisis affecting so many over the last couple of years.

"If any constituents are facing problems and unsure where to turn, I would encourage them to email me at lola.mcevoy.mp@parliament.uk, and I will support as much as I can.”

This payment is a set amount that anyone who qualifies for it can apply. However, there is a second way where the local council are trying to help people.

By pro-actively looking at data and identifying people who are in need of support and contacting them separately, this will be happening in the coming months. 

Residents are advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss out on this vital support.

More information on the scheme and how to apply is available on the Citizens Advice website, while further financial support advice can be found on the Darlington Borough Council website.