Thousands of Greenwich homes are being encouraged to apply for funds of up to £250 to assist with the cost of living crisis before applications close at the end of next month.

The council has advised that residents who are vulnerable to financial pressures over the school holidays are eligible for the scheme.

Greenwich Council has listed eligible households as families with children on free school meals or with preschool children under five-years-old.

Care leavers and residents in temporary hotel accommodation are also included, as well as those with an immigration status that prevents them from claiming benefits.

The scheme consists of £2.4 million of government funding for Greenwich residents who are most in need.

The sum comes from the government’s Household Support Grant, consisting of £421m which has been made available to local authorities across the country.

Funds from the scheme will remain available while they last or until September 30.

How to apply:

Greenwich care leavers and households with an immigration status preventing them from claiming benefits can be issued a £250 payment by the authority.

Eligible individuals will be contacted, with residents being encouraged to speak to their caseworkers if they think they are entitled to the scheme.

Families with preschool children under five years old or those receiving free school meals can claim £60 per child for the summer holidays through the council website. Individuals placed in temporary hotel accommodation by the council can also receive weekly payments of £10 and are asked to contact their caseworker if they have not received a payment.

Other help available:

Greenwich Council also has a series of existing schemes to provide support in the borough.

School clothing grants are available for households with children receiving free school meals, attending a school maintained by the authority or those with children in or entering reception or years 3, 7 or 9.

The council’s Emergency Support Scheme is applicable to those facing difficulties with essential payments or individuals who have experienced a crisis such as a house fire or flood.

Any resident is eligible for the programme, which consists of awards to receive basic furniture and household items or one-off cash payments for emergencies.

Applications can be made on the council website.

Specialist officers are also available through the council’s money advice service to help manage debts and reduce an individual’s expenditure.

Advice hubs can also be found across the borough for help on housing, welfare benefits, immigration and debt, as well as from the Live Well Greenwich line to speak about concerns on living costs.