Families in England are urged to apply for FREE cost of living cash – but they must act before the end of March
Amber Middleton
Content writerThere are just two months left for households across the country to claim cash, supermarket vouchers and more – apply soon before the Fund closes
Struggling families across England have just two months left to apply for cost of living support that could get them hundreds of pounds.
The money is available from the Household Support Fund – a pot of money that has been issued to local councils by the Department for Work and Pensions since 2021 to help with cash amid the cost of living crisis.
Since the Fund was announced, it has helped millions of families across the UK with the costs of everyday essentials, as well as supermarket vouchers and free school meals through their local council.
However, the scheme is due to end on 31 March, with many councils closing the scheme early if the money runs out – so get your claim in as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
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What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a DWP-funded scheme that was set up to help struggling households across the country through their local councils.
Initially introduced in 2021, the government allocated £842 million worth of help for the Fund which councils have been able to apply for portions of in order to help their residents.
Each council sets out its own eligibility criteria for its residents and decides how it intends to spend the money.
More than £360 million has been used to help households with their energy and water costs, through the Fund. Other support has come in the form of supermarket vouchers, free school meals and more.
If the council doesn't spend all of its allocated money by the time the scheme closes on 31 March this year, they face having to pay back it back.
The support has been extended four times since it was launched.
Read more about the Household Support Fund here.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility criteria differs depending on the council.
The government explains: 'The expectation is that The Fund should be used to support households in the most need; particularly those who may not be eligible for the other support government has recently made available but who are nevertheless in need and who require crisis support.'
For some areas, you must be making less than a certain income annually, to receive support, for others, you must be claiming certain benefits, or not be claiming certain benefits.
To find out the criteria for your council's HSF offering visit your council's website.
You can find your local council here.
How do I apply?
How to apply depends on where you live and what your circumstances are.
For example, some councils will automatically issue payments and you don't need to apply – these tend to be if you're claiming certain benefits.
Each council has its own form of application and eligibility criteria, which you will be able to find on its website.
You can find details of your local council here.
What support can I get?
This is, again, all dependent on your circumstances and where you live.
Some councils will offer cash payments, some will provide supermarket vouchers, others will pay your utility bills, or provide assistance to keep your energy bill costs down.
It's a good idea to check with your local authority to see what help might be available to you.
Here's what some councils are offering:
Residents of Tandridge Council in Surrey could receive a payment of either £150 or £350 – you must live in the area and prove you are struggling with financial pressures.
If you're living in the area of Waverley, Surrey, you could get a grant of up to £550.
North Yorkshire Council is issuing vouchers worth £450 – these can be used at Sainsbury's, Aldi, Morrisons and more.
And Southampton families could get £50 supermarket vouchers to help with the cost of living.
When will the scheme end?
The scheme will close on 31 March 2024 and there are no further plans to extend the scheme for the next financial year.
Some councils will close their schemes early if they receive a high number of applications before this date.
Do I have to pay the money I receive back?
You won't need to pay the money back, and it won't affect any of your other benefit payments.
More financial help
Need more money advice? Head to the Netmums' Cost of Living hub.
Here you'll find details on all the benefits and entitlements you may be able to claim plus government-based advice on cash you might be entitled to.
There are also top tips from the Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, weekly budgeting advice, and when's the best time to book that all-important holiday.
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