Struggling families can get £450 towards the rising cost of living
Amber Middleton
Content writerThere are just a few weeks left to claim the cash, which is being distributed to low-income households to help with everyday living expenses
Time is running out for families to apply for £450 worth of government cash.
The money is being offered to struggling families to help them cope with everyday expenses during the cost of living crisis. The cash is being distributed as part of the Household Support Fund – and you don't need to be on benefits to claim.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of money provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to local councils to help those most in need in their area.
Schemes are running across the country, and it's up to each local authority to decide what kind of support they offer and who is eligible.
Since HSF's inception in 2021, councils have supported residents with cash payments, vouchers and goods such as air fryers.
However, the scheme is coming to an end next month. It closes for good on 31 March with families urged to see what is available in their area to ensure they don't miss out.
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£450 for families in hardship
In Calderdale in West Yorkshire, eligible households are being offered £450 to help with bills. However, this is just one example of the kind of schemes available. You can see more schemes across the country here.
Calderdale Council states on its website. 'We have received money from the Department for Work and Pensions to support households in hardship,'
What help can I get?
Calderdale council is offering different levels of support depending on different criteria.
Families with children
Families with children who receive Housing Benefits and/or Council Tax Reductions or free school meals can get a £50 payment from Calderdale council per child.
The council began contacting eligible families in January but you can still register if you think you're eligible and haven't already received payment. The closing date for applications is 29 February.
Households with a disabled person
Households where someone has a disability and receive Council Tax Reduction and/or Housing Benefit will receive a £50 payment . This is issued in batches in the week starting 19 February.
This is in addition to the above £50 payments for families (if you're eligible for both).
If you think you're eligible but haven't received a payment by Wednesday 28 February, contact the council here.
Discretionary Hardship Scheme (DHS)
If you're struggling to make ends meet and are not eligible for Cost of Living payments, you could be eligible for the Calderdale council's Discretionary Hardship Fund.
This is a £450 payment funded by the HSF to help with rising living costs. It can be applied for here.
You must provide your last two bank statements for all the bank accounts you hold to prove you are experiencing 'financial hardship'.
Am I eligible?
Along with the above criteria, you must also be a Calderdale Council resident.
If you're unsure about what council you're in, take a look here.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF is a pot of money first introduced by the Chancellor in 2021 to help struggling households, particularly those on benefits or low incomes, with the rising costs of living due to thigh rates of inflation.
Local councils could apply for funding from this pot to help their residents with bill support, supermarket vouchers for their food shops, free school meals at school and more.
The scheme was extended in the Chancellor's 2022 Autumn Statement to help more people as the cost of living crisis continued.
Despite calls to continue it for another year, the Fund will finish towards the end of this tax year on 31 March 2024.
Can I get help if I don't live in Calderdale
Different councils help their residents in different ways through the HSF.
For example, if you live in Camden, up to £500 is available as part of a financial hardship fund, as well as supermarket vouchers to help residents.
Households in Southend on Sea could also be eligible supermarket vouchers worth £50.
Residents of Waverly could get a cash bonus of up to £550.
And low-income families in Medway can get up to £520 worth of support from their council.
Take a look at our guide for what other councils are offering here.
What other money support can I get?
If you aren't eligible for the HSF, you might be eligible for Cost of Living payments, of which the third and final payment is currently being issued.
The Cost of Living payment is a £900 grant issued to claimants of certain benefits such as Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits.
The first two instalments of the payment, worth £301 and £300, were issued last year. The final instalment of £299 is currently being issued to those eligible.
You don't need to apply for a payment, if you're eligible you'll receive it automatically.
To find out more about the cost of Living payments, have a look at our article here.
More money advice
Still in need of some money help? We have more advice on our Cost of Living hub.
There's government-based information on the benefits and entitlements you may be owed, plus the latest info on the Cost of Living payments.
We also have plenty of advice from Money Saving Expert's Martin Lewis, as well as handy hacks to help save you cash on your weekly shop, the advice on saving for a holiday and more.
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