Struggling households can claim up to £500 in free cash through one local council's Household Support Fund scheme.
The Household Support Fund is a national scheme created by the Government which gives local councils a pot of cash which they can then use to help and support vulnerable people in their area with the cost of living. Each council is given a certain amount - depending on how many people live there - and they then decide how to spend the money and who is eligible for the help.
Torbay Council says it has been given a pot of cash worth £2.4million and to help residents living in their area, they will be giving out cash payments of £150, £250 and £500 to eligible households.
According to the council's website, to be eligible for the free money in Torbay you must be over the age of 16 years, live in the area, and be claiming a welfare benefit/tax credit or have a disposable income of less than £50 per week. Torbay Council says the majority of payments will be given to those who are liable for fuel costs - although there are exceptions.
Households in claim a welfare benefit - such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits etc - can receive a payment of £150. Those who don't claim a welfare benefit - but have less than £50 a week to spend can receive a cash payment of between £250 and £500 depending on the size of their household.
The second round of applications for the free money opened in October and this will remain open until March next year. The first round of applications opened in April and closed in September.
If you believe you are eligible for the free cash, you can apply through the Torbay Council website here. There are separate application processes for those who claim welfare benefits and those who don't - make sure you follow the correct process in your application.
You may need to supply evidence as part of your application such as benefits, pension and bank statements, household bills receipts, and payslips.
Once your application has been received, Torbey Council says it will check your application details against any benefits records held and this includes any details held by us, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or any verification services. They may also contact you to discuss the application or to provide further evidence.
Once your application has been accepted, you will be informed by the council and the money will be paid directly into the bank account you provided in your application.
If you are not a resident of Torbay, then you will not be able to receive the help provided by their council. Each local authority has been provided with its own pot of cash and you will only be able to claim help from your council. Help can consist of free cash, supermarket vouchers and energy bill support.
Each council website should have a dedicated page set up with details of its Household Support Fund. You will be able to find what help you can access through there.
If you do not know who your local council is, you can enter your postcode by using this link to see.