The government\u2019s Household Support Fund<\/strong>, extended for the period between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025<\/strong>, has been allocated to local councils to provide targeted aid for those most affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Here\u2019s a closer look at how the scheme works and its potential impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u00a3200 payment<\/strong> is aimed at low-income pensioner households<\/strong> who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local authorities will automatically review existing records to determine eligibility. This automated approach is intended to minimize barriers to access and ensure a wide reach. For households newly assessed for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction after the November 11, 2024<\/strong> review date, councils will allow manual requests to be submitted for consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Household Support Fund<\/strong> is being used to meet various local needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decentralized model gives councils the flexibility to tailor support to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK government estimates that many pensioners fail to claim Pension Credit<\/a><\/strong>, either due to lack of awareness or perceived barriers to application. By linking eligibility to existing means-tested benefits like Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, the \u00a3200 support payment seeks to bridge the gap for those not receiving Pension Credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many payments will be issued automatically, pensioners not identified in the initial review but meeting the criteria are encouraged to contact their local council<\/a><\/strong>. Councils have emphasized that eligibility can be reassessed on request, ensuring that no qualifying household is left behind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"