Hard-up households to get up to £150 in free cost of living cash
HARD-UP households can get up to £150 in free cost of living cash.
Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Eligible households in Leeds will get payments of up to £150 to help.
How much you will be given depends on factors like if you are a pensioner or if you have dependent children.
All claimants must also be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits can get money off the bill.
The payment will be £125 to households with dependent children and £50 to all households without.
Meanwhile, some pensioner households who are eligible for Council Tax Support but not the Winter Fuel Payment will receive £150.
The £300 benefit was previously available to everyone aged 66 but cuts made by Labour now mean only those on means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit get the help.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to ease cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, - however the PM was sparse on details about when the changes might take place.
Cash for Care
Leeds council said those who are eligbile for the support will recieve the payment in the autumn and winter.
The council also said it would be in direct contact with those who meet the criteria.
A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set.
So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application.
You can find out more by vising, www.leeds.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund.
APPLY FOR A COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
Also it does not matter whether you own your home or rent, anyone who is struggling financially can apply.
You need to apply for a reduction via your local councils website.
To make a claim, will need to provide the council with information on your earnings and what pensions, benefits, allowances and tax credits you receive.
To find where your local council is visit www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
In some instances your bill could be reduced by 100%, meaning you don't have to pay anything.
You could also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Again, to claim this, you will need to contact your local council.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN LEEDS
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
For example, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need.
And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500.
Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200.
Hartlepool council is also distributing £100 food vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals aged between two and 19.
But even if you don't live in these areas but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help.
This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable.
What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers.
It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet.
However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels.
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 £421million 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.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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