BANK BOOST
Millions will get cost of living payments this winter as government confirms extension of huge support fund
Those on certain benefits could be in line for help
MILLIONS of households are set to benefit from extra cash to cover the cost of living after the Government extended a crucial fund.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the Household Support Fund (HSF) will be extended into next year.
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The scheme works by giving councils across England a slice of funding to distribute to hard-up households.
The fund was supposed to end on September 30, but it has now been extended until next spring.
A further £421million will be distributed to councils to give to residents in need between October and April 2025, the DWP said.
A further £79million will be offered to councils across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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The latest announcement means millions of households will get help with the cost of living over the winter months and into the spring.
Councils get to decide how they distribute their share of the fund, but in most cases offer hard-up households cash grants or vouchers.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "The £22billion black hole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.
"But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do - providing targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months."
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The DWP is urging pensioner households in particular to contact their local councils from October to see what help might be available to them via the HSF after Winter Fuel Payments were scrapped for millions.
The up to £300 payment used to be available to anyone above state pension age, but will be means-tested from this winter.
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That means only those on certain benefits including pension credit will qualify.
Shelley Hopkinson, head of policy and influencing at charity Turn2us, said: "The extension of the Household Support Fund will be welcome news for the millions of households living on precarious incomes across the UK.
"For people who contact us in financial crisis, access to immediate support to cover food costs or pay for essentials is often a lifeline.
“Any of us could face a financial shock in our lives. We need our social security system to be adequate enough to provide financial security and stop anyone from falling into poverty."
It's worth noting, the current round of the HSF is still open and councils have until September 30 to distribute their share.
That means you might be eligible for help now, but should apply as soon as possible.
Some councils have already handed out their share of the fund for the latest round which means you might already be too late.
Who will be eligible for the HSF and how do I apply?
Councils across England will decide who to distribute their share of the HSF to which means whether you will qualify depends on where you live.
However, in most cases you will be eligible if you are on benefits, classed as vulnerable or have limited savings.
You may not be able to get help for the new round if you have previously received support from the HSF.
If you are eligible, you may be contacted by your local council telling you what the next steps are to receiving any help.
You may also have to actively apply via your local authority's website.
Most councils probably won't have decided their eligibility criteria yet as the Government has only just announced the HSF extension.
Councils also get to decide how much they offer to each household and when to open their share of the fund.
However, you can contact your local authority to find out when the fund will open and whether you qualify.
You can find your local council by using the Government's tool on its website.
Other help available
If you're not eligible for the Household Support Fund in your local area, it's worth checking if you qualify for benefits.
Figures from Policy in Practice earlier this year revealed millions of people aren't claiming the extra help when they could be.
In total, £23billion went unclaimed in the 2023/24 financial year, with £8.3billion worth of Universal Credit not claimed for.
You can apply for benefits on the Government's website.
It's not just extra money you get from benefits either, with a number opening up additional perks.
Those on Universal Credit can get help covering the cost of childcare, for example, while those on Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit also qualify for the Warm Home Discount - a £150 discount off energy bills once a year.
You may also be able to get grants to cover your energy bills if you've fallen into arrears.
A number of energy firms offer grants to struggling customers, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy and British Gas.
If you're struggling to pay your bills, speak to your supplier to see if they can give you any help.
You might also be able to get help via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Under the scheme, suppliers have a legal obligation to implement energy-saving measures in your home.
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Help is offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation put in, often for free.
You also have to be claiming certain benefits to qualify for the scheme.
Where is the HSF available?
Plymouth - up to £740
Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.
Blackpool - up to £300
Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
Middlesbrough - up to £70
People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child.
Leicestershire - up to £300
Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Leeds - up to £100
Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
Bracknell Forest - up to £315
Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits.
Cambridgeshire County - up to £220
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers.
Falkirk - up to £470
The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200.
Stockport - up to £315
Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers.
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