Families across the UK who are facing financial difficulties are being strongly encouraged to check their eligibility for a £500 cash payment provided through a government-backed scheme. The support is available via the Household Support Fund, with a final application deadline set for 31 March 2026.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a pot of money distributed to local authorities across England. Each council has the discretion to decide how to allocate its share of the fund and determine its own eligibility criteria. This means the type of help and the amount offered can vary significantly depending on where you live.
Some local councils are choosing to provide direct cash payments to residents, while others may issue supermarket or energy vouchers. The core aim is to assist households that are struggling to meet essential living costs, particularly in the wake of the expensive Christmas period.
Examples of Local Council Support
The specific support available is best illustrated by looking at what individual councils are offering. In Camden, the council is providing £500 payments to residents in an emergency financial situation who cannot afford essentials. Applicants must have lived in Camden for at least six weeks, be 18 or over (or 16 and living independently), and be the main tenant or council tax payer. They will need to provide recent bank statements and details of income, savings, and benefits.
Other councils have different schemes. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing two £60 vouchers to around 6,000 pensioner households receiving Council Tax Reduction in early January. It also offers one-off £120 payments for low-income residents who pay energy bills but do not get Council Tax Reduction.
City of York Council is making one-off £100 payments this winter to residents receiving council tax support. Nearly 5,000 eligible households have been sent a letter with a unique reference number to apply online.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council is awarding £150 to single-person households and £200 for couples or families. Eligibility depends on receiving certain benefits and having a household income below £935 (single) or £1,350 (couple/family).
How to Claim Your Support
The crucial step for any household is to contact their own local council to find out what specific help is available in their area through the Household Support Fund. There is no single national application process.
Residents should visit their local authority's official website and search for "Household Support Fund" information. Application processes are typically handled online, and evidence of financial circumstances will usually be required.
With the deadline over a year away, there is still ample time to apply, but experts advise not to delay. Checking your eligibility now could provide vital financial relief for struggling families facing high energy, food, and housing costs.
