UK households can claim a share of up to £895 to help with living expenses throughout July and August, providing crucial support during the summer.
Although the government's direct Cost of Living scheme has ended, local councils all over the UK are continuing to provide funds alongside the DWP through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
UK Households Can Get Up to £895 in Summer Cost of Living Payments
The fund, which has been handed over from central government to local authorities, allows councils to provide financial support to the most impoverished households.
Each local area uses money differently, with some opting for automatically distributing vouchers to families on Universal Credit, while others are agreeing to receive applications based on a personal judgement from anyone who believes they need assistance.
As a result, the exact amount each household receives depends on their location, it is therefore advisable to contact your local council to get more details about the Household Support Fund.
Wakefield and Coventry Councils Offer Financial Aid and Vouchers
According to The Express, Wakefield Council will be distributing a £75 voucher to households with at least one child on July 18, after already providing vouchers to many other eligible groups in June.
The council is calling people to apply for this discretionary fund, meaning there are no minimum rules and the council can accept anyone it considers deserving of the money. Coventry City Council has made public its version of the Household Support Fund, which accepts applications from Tuesday, April 30 until September 30, 2024.
The council said: "Households who find themselves in financial difficulty can apply for a range of support; this includes households who have previously been ineligible following receipt of a Cost-of-Living Payment. There will be a set amount of funds available each month, when that amount is reached, we will have to close the online application form until the next month starts."
It added: "The fund can be used to provide support with essentials linked to energy and water in recognition that a range of costs may arise that directly affect a household’s ability to afford or access food, energy, and water."
Consequently, those struggling to pay for their gas, electricity or water bills, the council is providing £140 for families (or £120 for couples without children or single people), which allows up to three applications from April to September, which equals around £420.
In addition, families can claim a £25 shopping voucher is available, along with clothing and bedding assistance, which amount to £95 per adult and £60 per child, despite a household cap of £400.
Moreover, a voucher for toiletries worth up to £20 can also be claimed. Ultimately, all these benefits will lead to a total of £895 in cash and vouchers that many impoverished households can claim this summer.