The government scheme supports certain households through local councils, but you do not have long to apply
As we welcome the New Year, certain households across the UK face a race against time to claim additional support from their local council. This aid can come in the form of payments and other benefits as part of a significant nationwide government scheme, but there’s only a two-month window left.
The Household Support Fund is a £742 million pot of money distributed by the government to local councils throughout the country. Its primary objective is to assist households that are vulnerable, on a low income, or in need of extra financial help. The decision on how the funds are utilised and what forms of support are offered is at the discretion of each individual council.
The current round of financial aid kicked off on 1 April 2025 and will be available until 31 March 2026. Councils across the nation can offer a range of support, including vouchers, assistance with bills, and grants.
As the level of support varies from one council to another, eligibility may also differ based on your location. For instance, Birmingham City Council previously gave out grants of up to £200 to qualifying households last summer, while residents in Camden could receive a payment of up to £500 depending on their circumstances.
On the other hand, some councils require eligible individuals to demonstrate financial hardship, such as Dudley Council, which stipulates that eligible individuals must have less than £3,000 in savings and a household income of less than £40,000.
Will the Household Support Fund affect my benefits?
Numerous vulnerable families seeking additional assistance through the fund may already be receiving benefit payments from either the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Whilst eligibility criteria can differ across various local authorities, the government has emphasised that benefit payments shouldn’t be impacted by any assistance received through the scheme.
The government website confirms: “If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.”
How to find out if you’re eligible for the Household Support Fund
Since each individual council determines how they allocate the Household Support Fund, qualification requirements will differ depending on your location. Government guidance indicates that some councils may choose to distribute the funding through local charities and community organisations.
Additionally, certain other councils may opt to restrict the number of households that can apply for the fund during each allocation period. If you’re uncertain whether you’ll qualify for the additional financial assistance, it’s advisable to check with your local authority and contact them directly.
If you’re unsure how to reach your local council, you can utilise the government’s online finder tool here. Simply input your postcode and you’ll receive a link to your local council’s website containing all the necessary contact information you’ll require.
