Households in one part of the UK can grab another £150 cost of living payment from today – but you could get even more where you live. The Household Support Fund is a pot of money given out by the DWP to local councils each year which allows them to distribute the cash to those in need as they see fit.
Today, Monday December 8, households in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be given their chance to benefit from the scheme as applications open for a £150 grant voucher payment if you live in those areas.
Applications for the cash will remain open until January 30. You don’t need to be on benefits to claim either, as the HSF does not require any specific benefits to qualify for it. However, you need to show the council that you don’t have enough money to pay for essentials.
Citizens Advice says about the vouchers: “Demand for HSF grants are high, and it may take 8 weeks for your application to be processed.
“Receipt of a HSF grant is not guaranteed, and your application may be rejected due to a lack of available funds. We will make every effort to support as many eligible applications as possible, however funds are often limited compared to the volume of applications received. Grant vouchers will only be issued to the named applicant, or the person nominated by them to receive vouchers on their behalf.”
The Household Support Fund is a national scheme, though, and other areas also offer payments too, sometimes in the form of cash, sometimes as supermarket vouchers or energy bill credits.
Surrey County Council is offering up to £300 supermarket vouchers in its Everyday Essentials E-voucher scheme funded by the HSF, while Nottingham City Council makes £100 of vouchers available at the start of each month.
Doncaster Council offers up to £300 of cost of living payments for households with children.
Every council in England offers the scheme, with its own rules for eligibility and different payment amounts.
The UK government’s website says: “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.
Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply [and] who money is given to.
“For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.”
Check here to see if you can apply.
