As the cost of living crisis continues, many UK households are struggling to afford essential expenses like food, heating, and rent. To help those in need, the Household Support Fund (HSF) has been extended into 2025, allowing local councils to distribute financial aid to vulnerable residents.
What makes this scheme different from other government support programs is that you don’t need to be on benefits to qualify. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides the funding, but it’s local councils that decide how the money is distributed, meaning eligibility and payment amounts vary across different parts of the UK.
Some areas are offering direct cash payments of up to £500, while others are providing supermarket vouchers, energy bill credits, or other essential support. With a deadline of March 31, now is the time for households to check their eligibility and apply before the funds run out.
How Much Can You Get – And Who Qualifies?
Each local council determines its own rules for distributing the Household Support Fund, so the amount you receive depends on where you live. Some examples of current payments include:
- Solihull Council – Offering energy bill vouchers worth £147 or direct debt relief of up to £500 for struggling households.
- Camden Council (London) – Providing Household Support Fund payments of up to £500 per household, plus £30 supermarket vouchers per eligible child.
- Leeds Council – Offering £40 payments to households or £150 for pensioners who don’t qualify for Winter Fuel Payments.
- Calderdale Council – Providing £100 payments to households with children or disabled individuals.
While some councils prioritise those on benefits, the government has confirmed that you do not need to be receiving benefits to qualify.
The official government website states:
“Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.”
This means that even low-income workers, struggling pensioners, and families not receiving Universal Credit may still be eligible for financial aid.
How to Apply Before the March 31 Deadline
Because the Household Support Fund is managed by local councils, the application process varies depending on where you live.
Some councils:
- Automatically issue payments to eligible households.
- Require an application through their website or local offices.
- Distribute funds through local charities and community groups.
The government has advised households to check directly with their local council to see if they can apply.
To find out if you qualify, visit your local council’s website or check the Household Support Fund section on GOV.UK before the March 31 deadline.
With many struggling to keep up with soaring food prices and rising energy bills, this £500 payment could offer much-needed relief.
