Households across England can get cost of living payments worth up to £500 each depending on where you live.
The money is available to various people and the government has recently encouraged state pensioners who have just missed out on a Winter Fuel Payment to claim money from the Household Support Fund where they live instead.
The scheme had been due to close in August but was extended in the recent Budget, from October 2024 to March 2025.
The scheme sees the DWP send money to local councils based on population size and deprivation statistics, who then have the discretion to issue the funds as they see fit, and it has been renewed for another year.
Each local authority area sets its own devolved rules for how to be eligible for the cash payments: some look at Universal Credit eligibility while others just invite who feels they’re anyone struggling to apply.
The government said about the fund: “Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims. Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills overwinter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”
Currently, these are the councils known to be offering support and how much, although each authority is subject to change and uses its discretion to decide how much to award to each individual case:
Blackpool – £300
Rutland – £200
Herefordshire – £500
Sunderland – £220
Bracknell Forest – £315
Rotherham – £250
Brent – £500
Wiltshire – £200
Cambridgeshire – £110
Middlesbrough – £70
To apply for the money, you must get in touch with your local council to find your local eligibility criteria.
Other local authorities may also be offering cash or food vouchers, so it’s important to contact your local council to find out.
Gov.uk says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills, food, essential items.
“Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
“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.”