Millions of households across the UK are being encouraged to check whether they qualify for financial help worth up to £500 this January, as councils continue to issue cost-of-living support through the Household Support Fund. Although the funding comes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), payments are not handled centrally.
Instead, local authorities receive the money and decide who qualifies, how much support is offered, and whether it is paid in cash, vouchers or other forms of assistance. The scheme is intended to help people who are struggling with essential costs such as food, heating, electricity and water. Importantly, support is not limited to people claiming benefits, meaning many working households may also qualify.
Households that may be eligible include:
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People on a low income who are struggling to pay for essentials
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Households facing sudden financial hardship, such as job loss or illness
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Families with children, including those not receiving benefits
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Pensioners on a limited income
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Disabled people or households with long-term health conditions
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Private renters or council tenants experiencing financial difficulty
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Working households whose income does not cover rising living costs
Eligibility is assessed locally, and councils can consider individual circumstances rather than relying solely on benefit status.
Some councils are offering particularly generous help. Camden Council, for example, is providing emergency payments of up to £500 for residents in serious financial difficulty.
Applicants do not need to be claiming benefits, but must meet local residency and responsibility criteria, such as being the main tenant or liable for Council Tax.
Camden has also confirmed that people who apply successfully will be offered further guidance to ensure they are receiving any other financial support they may be entitled to.
Other councils are offering smaller but still valuable payments. Nottingham City Council is issuing energy vouchers worth £98, while Leeds City Council provides Post Office vouchers worth up to £120 for households with children and £55 for those without.
Wakefield Council has opted to spread support across the year, with payments ranging between £40 and £70 for eligible residents.
Because councils have full discretion over how the Household Support Fund is used, application processes and deadlines vary widely.
Some councils require applications, while others automatically issue support to qualifying residents. Budgets are limited, and schemes may close once funding runs out.
Households experiencing financial pressure are advised to visit their local council’s websit, search for “Household Support Fund” in their are and contact council support services directly if unsure
Any money received through the scheme does not reduce entitlement to existing benefits.
With the cost of living still high and January placing extra strain on household budgets, eligible residents are being urged to check what help may be available before funds are exhausted.
