Thousands of low-income households across the UK are set to receive cost of living payments of up to £110 this February, as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This financial aid is designed to help struggling families cover essential expenses such as food and energy bills during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has allocated £421 million to local councils, who will be responsible for distributing the funds based on their own eligibility criteria. Households in different areas may receive varying amounts, depending on their circumstances and family size. While some people have already received their support, others will see the payments arrive throughout February, with applications still open in certain regions.
Who Can Apply for the £110 Cost of Living Support?
The Household Support Fund is targeted at low-income residents who are struggling to afford basic necessities. Each local council decides how to allocate its share of the funding, meaning the amounts available and the eligibility requirements differ across the country.
For example, in Wolverhampton, the council has confirmed that residents can claim support for both food and energy bills, with separate payments for each category. The support is structured as follows:
- Single-person households can receive £25 for food and £40 for energy, totalling £65.
- Couple households can receive £50 for food and £60 for energy, totalling £110.
- Families with children can receive an additional £15 per child across both categories, meaning a family with two children could get up to £170 in support.
This type of targeted financial assistance is intended to ensure that struggling households receive direct support rather than broader, one-size-fits-all payments.
How to Claim the Payment?
To apply for the Household Support Fund, eligible residents must contact their local council or housing provider. In some cases, tenants of specific housing organisations are required to apply through their landlord before accessing the funds.
A council spokesperson clarified the process for certain residents, stating:
“You will need to contact them first. These organisations have access to the Household Support Fund and can provide support. If you are not a tenant of one of the organisations listed above, then please apply for the Household Support Fund by visiting grantapproval.co.uk.“
This means that individuals who rent from designated housing providers such as Wolverhampton Homes, Dovecotes TMO, Bushbury Hill EMB, or New Park Village TMC should contact their housing association before submitting an application. Those not linked to these organisations must apply directly through the council’s website.
Applicants will need to provide:
- A valid Council Tax reference number.
- A copy of their bank statement from the past three months.
Once an application is submitted, the council aims to review requests within seven to ten working days. If further information is needed, successful applicants must respond within five days, or their request may be closed without payment. If approved, funds should arrive within another seven to ten working days.
Why Is This Payment Being Provided?
The Household Support Fund was introduced as a temporary measure by the government to provide targeted financial relief to those struggling with the rising cost of living. Over the past two years, the fund has helped millions of households afford basic necessities, especially during the winter months when energy bills are highest.
However, campaigners have argued that one-off payments are not enough to address the long-term financial strain faced by low-income families. While government officials insist that the Household Support Fund is making a difference, there is growing pressure to extend and expand financial aid as the cost of living crisis continues.
For now, eligible households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those unsure of their eligibility should check with their local council, as different regions may have specific rules and deadlines for applications.
