Struggling UK households to get help even if they aren’t on benefits | Personal Finance | Finance
Thousands of families across England could be eligible for hundreds of pounds in financial assistance to help with rising living costs, thanks to the government’s Household Support Fund that’s been extended for another year, from April 1, 2025 until March 31 of 2026.
Local councils have been allocated a total of £742 million by the Department for Work and Pensions to provide emergency support to those facing difficulties covering essential expenses like food, energy, and water bills. Each council has discretion over how to distribute these funds and may offer support through cash payments, vouchers, or other forms of assistance.
Through the Household Support Fund is available to anyone who is vulnerable or struggling to pay for essential items, the UK government website states. You do not have be receiving benefits to get help from your local council.
Receiving support from this fund will not affect any benefits you already get. Each council runs its own scheme, meaning the details can vary widely depending on where you live in the country.
Eligibility rules may differ depending on where you live so make sure to check your local council website or contact them directly for more details.
Some councils may require you to apply, while others may distribute support automatically or via community groups. The amount and type of support offered can vary, and some councils limit support to one household application per year.
Residents in the London Borough of Richmond, for example, can apply for payments of up to £600 though the exact amount that will be given depends on household size and the number of children.
Leicestershire County Council provides food and fuel vouchers to residents over 16 experiencing financial hardship, but applications must be made through professional referrals rather than directly by individuals, while Haringey Council offers automatic £100 Post Office vouchers to eligible residents identified through benefits records, along with school holiday food vouchers for children eligible for free school meals.
In addition to the Household Support Fund, you may be eligible for other financial help, including cost of living payments from the government and various benefits and financial support schemes if you’re on a low income.
If you have a low income or receive certain benefits, you could also get council tax support and if you are struggling to pay rent, you may be able to receive discretionary housing payments.
The funding is also available in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland through Barnett consequentials, allowing the devolved governments to run their own schemes to support vulnerable households.
