Low-income UK households struggling with energy and food costs this winter are being handed cost of living payments of up to £150.
The cash comes from the government’s Household Support Fund which helps support anyone who is vulnerable or cannot afford to pay for essentials.
The funding pot is worth £421 million in total and is distributed to local councils across the country by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Local councils are each awarded a sum of money from the pot which they then independently decide how to distribute the money in their area.
As such, there may be different eligibility criteria you’ll have to meet depending on where you live in the UK.
In Leeds, Leeds City Council is spending the money by distributing it to low-income households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support.
Households in Leeds who meet this criteria will be awarded a payment of £40. But some pensioner households who are eligible for Council Tax Support, but won’t get the 2024 to 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, will receive a payment of £150.
The council said: “This direct payment from the Household Support Fund will be based on information held on the Council Tax Support claim.
“Households in receipt of Council Tax Support on January 6, 2025 will receive an award. These payments will be made in January 2025 and we will contact those who are eligible.”
Additional funding will also be available to residents who need emergency support with costs of food, energy or household items. Households can call the Local Welfare Support Scheme on 0113 376 0330 to check what help is available.
The DWP says there may be differences in who the money is given to across parts of the UK and if or how you need to apply for the support. For example, some local councils choose to share the money out through local charities and community groups, while others limit household applications to one per year.
Households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for support of up to £300 per household in the form of vouchers to help afford gas, electricity and food, while Rotherham Council is offering people who need help with living costs payments of up to £250.
If you are struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food and essential items you could be eligible for support from the scheme. You should check with your local council to see what support is available and if you might be eligible for help.
