A little-known Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) support scheme is paying UK households HUNDREDS before March. The DWP Household Support Fund worth hundreds of pounds is on offer until March 31, the new Labour Party government has said.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Some areas – like Herefordshire, Devon, parts of Greater London and more – are handing out free £500 payouts.
Low-income pensioners in Sandwell, West Midlands, are being given free £200 vouchers. The payments, funded through Sandwell Council’s Household Support Fund (HSF), were distributed as vouchers in December to around 4,000 eligible households.
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These vouchers, sent out with a letter, can be redeemed at local Post Offices, but must be cashed in by 19 March 2025. Deputy leader of Sandwell Council and cabinet member for finance and resources, Councillor Paul Moore, has spoken out to try and raise awareness over the scheme.
Mr Moore said: “These payments are aimed at helping pensioners on low incomes who aren’t eligible for Pension Credit [a DWP benefit worth £3,900 which unlocks a Winter Fuel Payment]. The money will help many people with their fuel bills, groceries, or dealing with the cost of living generally.
“The majority of people who we have written to have cashed in their payments, but we’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet to make sure they take their letter to the Post Office as soon as possible. The vouchers are valid for three months, so they must be cashed in by 19 March.”
The scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date, the government has explained. And households are warned that, once the cash is gone, it is gone.