UK households in need can expect to receive up to £500 in January to help alleviate the cost of living, covering essentials such as food and energy bills.
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the extension of the Household Support Fund into 2025. The fund allocates money to local councils across the UK, granting them the authority to distribute the funds according to their discretion.
Given the decentralized nature of the scheme, each local council has established its own eligibility criteria and payout amounts.
For instance, Solihull Council in the Midlands is providing energy bill vouchers worth £147 and direct debt relief of up to £500 to those struggling with utility bills.
Camden Council in London is offering Household Support Fund payments of up to £500 per household, in addition to supermarket shopping vouchers of up to £30 for each eligible child, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, Leeds Council is issuing £40 payments, with an increased amount of £150 for pensioners who are ineligible for Winter Fuel Payments. In Calderdale, households with children or disabled individuals will receive £100 payments.
While some councils specify that funding is allocated to those receiving benefits, it is not a requirement to be claiming benefits to qualify for support.
According to the government’s website: “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, 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.”
Check here to see if you can apply before the March 31 deadline.