Households grappling with soaring living costs could be eligible for a £300 lifeline through a government initiative, the Household Support Fund, initially launched by the previous Conservative administration in 2021. The fund distributes money to local authorities to assist residents facing financial burdens with various forms of aid such as living expense payments, supermarket or energy vouchers.
Each local council dispenses their allocated funds differently, hence support is subjective to your postcode. In Doncaster, residents can claim a one-off £300 grant to offset energy costs, available to those having difficulty paying utilities regardless of whether they receive government benefits.
Yet, applicants must gain approval through an endorsed “referrer” who will apply on their behalf. These referrers encompass several organisation categories listed by the Doncaster Council.
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Notably, referrals are limited to one per household within the six-month funding cycle—those who received £300 in October cannot reclaim now. For those yet to apply, the deadline looms on March 31, marking the end of the current funding term.
Those in need of assistance with their supermarket shopping can also apply for supermarket e-vouchers worth up to £65 per household, plus an additional £20 for each dependent child under the age of 18. This scheme operates through referrals, reports the Mirror.
Care leavers receive a £65 e-voucher directly in December and February 2025, facilitated through the care system, with the individual’s personal assistant making the referral. Additionally, Doncaster Council is offering supermarket e-vouchers for children who receive free school meals during school holidays.
Each eligible child will receive a £20 voucher each holiday period, with the next one due to be paid during the Spring half term this year. This scheme is not available to those living outside of Doncaster.
However, local councils have their own Household Support Schemes that can be accessed. Updates on these schemes can be found on your local authority’s website.