To provide much-needed relief for families facing financial strain, the East Riding of Yorkshire council has secured an additional £3.6 million from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund (HSF).
The fund is specifically intended to assist vulnerable households dealing with the rising cost of living, offering a £425 payment to those who qualify. These payments are aimed at easing the burden of essential living expenses like food and energy bills.
According to Birmingham Mail, the initiative has been vital for local residents who are struggling to make ends meet amid soaring prices. Applications are open until February 27, 2026, and payments will be processed within 20 days for those who are deemed eligible.
Who is Eligible for the £425 Payment?
To qualify for the £425 Cost of Living payment, applicants must meet specific financial criteria. They must be residents of East Riding of Yorkshire and responsible for paying council tax or rent.
Additionally, applicants must have a net income below specified thresholds, such as £14,248 per year for a single working-age adult or £34,320 per year for a couple with two children. Applicants should also have savings of less than £1,000, and the PIP/DLA/AA payments will not be included in the income calculations.
Those applying must be in financial difficulty and unable to cover essential living costs. The payment is designed to assist vulnerable households struggling to meet their day-to-day expenses, with the council emphasizing the prioritization of applications.
We will prioritise applications from those in receipt of a disability benefit with severe health conditions that are impacted by the cold such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, cardiovascular disease, sickle cell anaemia, whose financial circumstances are impacted having additional costs such as energy bills.
How the Fund Will Be Used
Apart from direct financial support, the £3.6 million fund also allows the council to support other local schemes and organizations that assist residents in need. The goal is not only to provide immediate crisis support but also to prevent further financial strain on vulnerable households, helping them avoid falling deeper into crisis.
This initiative is part of the broader Help for Households campaign launched by the council, aimed at reducing the burden of rising living costs, particularly for those already struggling. As Darren Stevens, executive director of corporate resources for the council, commented :
We are pleased to be able to support more local residents in need, through our Help for Households campaign. We know that the cost of living can be a real struggle for some families and encourage those in need to apply for funding as soon as possible.
A Lifeline for Struggling Families
The funding is designed to provide urgent relief to those who need it most, while also offering preventive support to help households avoid falling deeper into financial crisis. Eligible residents will receive £425 payments to help with essential costs such as energy bills, food, and other necessities.
With rising living costs affecting many families across the UK, the council’s efforts to alleviate financial stress come at a critical time. The Household Support Fund is part of a larger national initiative aimed at combating the economic struggles caused by inflation, soaring energy prices, and other financial pressures.
The council urges residents to apply promptly, as the funds will make a significant difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals and families.
