The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing free £500 Cost of Living payments to people who AREN’T on benefits. The DWP has plans to administer free cash payments to a swathe of households who are hard-up and struggling amid the Cost of Living crisis.
Camden Council is just one of the local authorities handed free cash from the DWP to help support residents. It said: “If you’re in an emergency financial situation and don’t have the money to pay for essentials, you may be eligible for a payment of up to £500 from the government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF).
“The deadline to apply for a HSF payment is 31 March 2025, and it has the same eligibility criteria as our Cost of Living Crisis Fund. To apply for a payment from the Household Support Fund (HSF) and our Cost of Living Crisis Fund, register for our Money Advice Service – and if you need help registering, call us on 020 7974 4444. If you’re eligible, you can apply for both – but please submit one application at a time.”
READ MORE All parts of England that WON’T see snow this weekend according to Met Office
The government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) will also be used to fund supermarket vouchers until 31 March 2025 for families living in Camden who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support with children up to the age of 18.
Any child attending a Camden school and receiving free school meals will also receive vouchers. If you receive certain benefits – including Universal Credit – your child is eligible for this support but they must be registered for free school meals.
Pensioners we have identified as being on a low income will receive a £300 Post Office voucher to help with the cost of bills, food and other essentials this winter. These vouchers will be funded the government’s Household Support Fund.
The Financial Wellbeing Project aims to support residents to manage their money. Training places for residents have been funded by the HSF and will be available to book soon.