Families on Universal Credit have days left to apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible
THOUSANDS of families on Universal Credit can claim up to £300 this month.
This leg-up comes from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) - a huge £742 million fund going straight to councils across England.
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The HSF is a government-backed scheme designed to help vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy bills and other living costs.
Each local council is given the freedom to decide how to distribute the money, making sure it directly helps the people who need it most in their area.
City of Doncaster Council is distributing a one‑off cash payment through HSF.
Those typically eligible for this support are already receiving one of the following:
Housing benefit
Local Council Tax Reduction
Universal Credit which includes the housing element
Means-tested free school meals
Households on Universal Credit can receive food vouchers worth £100 if they have one dependent child.
Those with two children will pick up £200, while households with three or more children will be given £300 to help cover food costs.
City of Doncaster Council defines a dependent child as one for whom you receive Child Benefit.
Besides families with children, other eligible households - including those without children - can receive £100 to help cover energy bills.
The council is also allocating £150,000 towards local food banks and its hygiene bank.
Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now
An additional £100,000 will boost community hubs, helping vulnerable households right in the community.
Meanwhile, a huge £400,000 is now earmarked for the updated Local Assistance Scheme.
How can people get the payment?
Those who have received help from the Household Support Fund in the past - and still meet the criteria - will not need to apply.
Instead, the payment will automatically hit their bank accounts.
But they will need to contact the council if their bank details have changed.
Those previously paid by cheque will receive the payment by cheque - unless they provide the council with their bank details.
Others will need to apply between now and July.
Click here to claim a Household Support Fund payment.
Can those who live outside Doncaster claim support?
Yes, councils throughout the country are actively assisting families through the Household Support Fund scheme.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is giving thousands of families a helping hand - offering free washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 towards the cost of energy.
Those in Leeds can get payments of up to £150.
By using the government's council locator tool, it's easy to find out which local authorities are offering support and the eligibility criteria.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended.
The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026.
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