Thousands of households can apply for cost of living cash worth up to £200 NOW – see if you're eligible
THOUSANDS of households can apply for cost of living cash worth up to £200 to help with essentials.
The support is available through Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund.
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The £742million fund has been distributed to councils across the country by the Department for Work and Pensions.
So, even if you don't live in Cheshire West it's likely you can access support if you're struggling with the cost of everyday essentials such as food and energy.
For details on what support is available you'll need to check with your local authority as every council sets its own framework to distribute the cash.
In Cheshire West the council has announced that help will be provided to struggling families, pensioners and vulnerable residents across the region.
Support ranges from vouchers to put towards food costs to cash for energy bills and help with other essentials.
But, it will only be available to residents receiving either housing benefit or a council tax reduction.
The council has not set out limits to the amount of support it will provide to those applying through its online portal for cost of living support.
But, you can only make one application in a six month period and applications must be made per household, so partners cannot submit two separate claims.
Additionally all families living in Cheshire West with children who receive free school meals will automatically receive vouchers to help with food costs during school holidays, worth at least £15 a week.
Between May's half term and the February half term 2026 payments will be worth £160.
Pensioners on a low income who are in receipt of Pension Credit as well as housing benefit or a council tax reduction will also receive £50 from the local authority.
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Those pensioners who are not receiving Pension Credit will receive £200, to compensate for the loss of the winter fuel allowance.
The authority will make contact with eligible pensioners from autumn 2025.
Other councils to have announced details of their schemes include Salford where residents can apply for free food vouchers and fuel top up credits.
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.
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.
What if I don't live in Cheshire West?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been allocated to councils across England to help residents facing financial hardship.
If you're on a low income, receiving benefits, or struggling to afford essentials, you may be eligible for support.
The type of help available varies by area and may include cash payments, food vouchers, or help with energy bills.
Applications are handled by local councils. Some have already opened their schemes, while others are expected to launch soon.
Residents are advised to check their local council's website or social media for updates.
Many councils have dedicated Household Support Fund pages with details on how to apply.
In some cases, councils may contact eligible households directly by post.
What other help is available?
If you're not eligible for the Household Support Fund, there are still other ways to get financial support.
First, check if you're missing out on benefits.
Every year, billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed - and you could be entitled to more than you think.
There are free online tools that can help you find out what you're owed:
Policy in Practice – Better Off Calculator
Entitledto Benefits Calculator
Turn2us Benefits Calculator
If energy bills are piling up, you might qualify for a grant to help clear your arrears.
British Gas and Octopus Energy offer financial assistance to customers in difficulty, with some schemes wiping as much as £2,000 off unpaid energy debts, depending on your situation.
It's worth checking with your supplier or visiting their website for eligibility details.
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