UK households grappling with the cost of living could qualify for grants and other forms of assistance in the new year. The winter months often heighten financial pressures, especially as energy bills are set to rise again from January 1.
However, people may be able to receive additional financial aid through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The scheme was initially launched in October 2021 and has been extended several times since, with the most recent extension making it available until March 2025.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has contributed an extra £421 million for distribution among local authorities in England. Additional funds have also been allocated to devolved social security administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Local councils can utilise these funds to support residents in the way they deem appropriate. Some councils may assist with the purchase of essential household items like fridges, freezers, and ovens, provide an engineer for heating/lighting repairs, and help with housing costs (excluding mortgages) in emergency situations where existing schemes cannot provide assistance.
Others are introducing voucher schemes to aid individuals and families, reports the Express. Birmingham is taking significant steps to tackle the soaring cost of living crisis by offering hardship payments amounting to £200, with plans to start accepting applications in November.
Coventry City Council has announced a two-month window during which residents may apply for energy and water bill support up to three times over six months, under the HSF. According to government details, the HSF aims to support “anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council”.
Additionally, those already receiving benefits can rest easy knowing that the supplementary assistance from the HSF won’t affect their established benefit entitlements. Since it is up to local authorities to manage HSF allocations, they are tasked with establishing eligibility criteria for those who can claim.
As such, criteria vary across councils, necessitating that individuals engage directly with their respective councils to determine aid eligibility. For further details regarding the HSF in your area, your local council’s website should detail everything you need to know.