UK households are in line to receive up to £500 in cost of living payments this January, designed to help cover the costs of food, energy bills, and other essentials. The Household Support Fund, extended until 2025, sees the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) allocating funds to local councils across the UK, who then distribute the aid according to their discretion.
Due to the scheme’s devolved nature, each council sets its own eligibility criteria and decides on the sum to be disbursed.
For example, Calderdale is offering £100 payments to households with children or disabled members. Leeds Council has opted to hand out £40 payments, increasing to £150 for pensioners not covered by Winter Fuel Payments.
Solihull Council is providing energy bill vouchers worth £147 or direct debt relief of £500 for those struggling with utility bills. Meanwhile, Camden Council in London is making available a Household Support Fund payment of up to £500 per household, plus supermarket shopping vouchers of up to £30 for each eligible child.
While some local authorities have indicated that the support will go to benefit recipients, it’s not mandatory to be on benefits to qualify for assistance. According to the government’s website, as reported by the Express: “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.”, reports Yorkshire Live.
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The guidance further explains that receiving benefits won’t be impacted by getting a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme. “Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply, who money is given to. For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.”
Make sure to check if you can apply before the looming March 31 deadline.