Households facing financial hardship and in receipt of one of the eight specified benefits can receive up to £300 of cost of living assistance.
This is part of the Government's Household Support Fund, which allocates money to local councils to support households in need within their area.
The support available varies from council to council, and eligibility is limited to residents of the local authority area.
Eligibility and Benefit conditions
Hillingdon Council in London, for example, was allocated £2 million when the Household Support Fund was extended in April 2024.
Eligible households in the area can receive £15 per child to help with food costs, while those experiencing 'exceptional hardship' can apply for a cost of living grant of up to £300.
So, to qualify for the £15 payments, households must have children aged 0-19 attending a school in Hillingdon and be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on
- Universal Credit (with a household income below £7,400 a year after tax, excluding benefits)
- Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction
A payment of £15 will be made to each eligible child in the first weeks of July and August. Households that have received support from the Household Support Fund in the last 12 months are not eligible for these payments.
The £300 hardship grant is for households who need help to buy essential household items. Applications for the grant will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Financial hardship
- Inability to replace essential appliances
Claimants must provide evidence of their financial situation, including the last two payslips or proof of income, benefit statements, bank statements for the last two months, savings and investment statements.
In addition, a household income and expenditure form is required. Joint applications must be submitted if living with a spouse or partner.
Further information on income may be requested by the council. If the application is approved, household items will be provided directly by the vendors or via a voucher emailed to the recipient.
Local councils are currently announcing the assistance they will be providing over the coming months. Residents are invited to visit their local council website to find out more about the specific help available in their area.