Households facing hardship will receive £200 worth of cost of living payments in the coming weeks, with applications now open.
This financial assistance comes from the Government's Household Support Fund, which allocates money to local councils across the UK to help vulnerable people facing rising costs.
The nature of the help varies from council to council, making it something of a postcode lottery in terms of the help available.
Government Provides £200 Cost of Living Payments for Struggling Households
East Riding Council, for instance, is distributing automatic payments of £200 to eligible households, alongside an application process for others.
Payments will be made automatically to households in receipt of Council Tax Support who meet the following criteria:
- The property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G, and includes a disabled household member.
- The household is identified as being in or at risk of financial crisis.
Additionally, care leavers who are liable for Council Tax at their address, as well as people who received a household assistance payment last year, will also be eligible for automatic payments.
The East Riding Council assures that the money will be paid before the end of July without the need to apply. If the council does not have your bank details, you will be contacted shortly.
Eligibility and Application Process
For those wishing to apply, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Residing in East Riding
- Being employed but not receiving benefits
- Having an annual income below £28,000 for single households or £33,000 for dual-income households
- Holding less than £6,000 in savings
Unpaid carers can also apply if the person they care for is receiving a disability benefit.
Applications for the £200 payment can be submitted online via East Riding's website, with households expected to receive the payment within 20 days of applying. The application period remains open until 31 August.
In the spring budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the Household Support Fund scheme by an additional six months, now running until September 2024, with an infusion of £500 million. Since its inception in October 2021, the scheme has received approximately £3 billion from central Government.
Support through the Household Support Fund typically includes direct cash payments, supermarket and energy vouchers, and extra Council Tax support. Local councils are currently detailing the aid they will offer in the coming months.
For specific information, individuals should visit their local council’s website, where a dedicated cost of living section usually outlines available assistance.