Cost of living payments up to £500 are being offered to households across the UK. The Household Support Fund has been extended for 2025.
The scheme sees the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) send funding to local councils, who then distribute the money to those eligible. Each local council has a different set of eligibility criteria, which means what you can get varies across the country.
Solihull Council is giving out energy bill vouchers worth £147 or direct debt relief of £500 for those struggling with utility bills. In London, Camden Council is offering a payment of up to £500 per household.
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It is also handing out up to £30 supermarket shopping vouchers for each eligible child, Express reports. Leeds Council is giving out £40 payments or £150 to pensioners who are not eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.
In Calderdale, people with children or disabled people can get £100 payments. Some councils say it will give money to those on benefits.
But you do not necessarily need to be claiming benefits to qualify for support. The Government’s website reads: “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. If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get 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, and who the money is given.
“For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.” Check here to see if you can apply before the March 31 deadline.