Latest news with #HouseholdSupportFund
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hard-up households to get up to £150 in free cost of living cash
Read below for more councils providing financial support CASH IN 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). 1 The household support fund gives cash grants to struggling households 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, 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 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.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
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). 1 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, 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 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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Scam warning over Household Support Fund
This article is from Sally Ash, IW Against Scams Partnership, and relates scam warnings connected to the Household Support Fund: The recent extension of the Department for Work and Pensions' Household Support Fund will indeed bring much-needed relief to vulnerable island households, but it also comes with the risk of scammers exploiting the situation. It's crucial for residents to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any communication they receive regarding support. The Isle of Wight Council has been actively administering genuine support schemes through this fund. In recent months, they have assisted over 1,100 pensioner households with £75 towards utility costs and provided £25 supermarket vouchers to 290 households in financial crisis. If you have applied for utility or food support through the Isle of Wight Council or a partner organisation, you will receive a pre-paid card or voucher via email from noreply@ If you do not redeem the support, a reminder will be sent from support@ Personal details will never be requested via text or email, and bank details are not required for genuine support. For any doubts about the legitimacy of a message, you can contact the Partnerships and Support Services team at 823644 or via hsf@ A list of partner organisations involved in the scheme can be found on the Isle of Wight Council's webpage, Food vouchers and housing, HSF. You can also call the council's main contact centre on 821000 and ask for the team, if you are unsure. Stay safe and ensure you verify any communication to protect yourself from potential scams. Reporting a scam • For advice on scams call - Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 250 5050 • To report a scam call - Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 For more information on scams visit
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Full list of Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £10,221
FAMILIES on Universal Credit can now cash in on a bumper haul of freebies and discounts worth up to £10,221 this June. From food vouchers to help with bills and even cheap days out, there's a treasure trove of support on offer. 1 Here's the full list of what you could be claiming this month. Household Support Fund – worth £500 The Household Support Fund has been extended until March 2026 – and it's dishing out direct payments of up to £500. Local councils like Birmingham are offering £200 payments, while others are handing out food or fuel vouchers. Each council sets its own rules, so check your local authority's website to see what's on offer and how to apply. Find your council via or visit for Birmingham-specific help. Where is the HSF available? Plymouth - up to £740 Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers. Blackpool - up to £300 Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs. Middlesbrough - up to £70 People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child. Leicestershire - up to £300 Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets. Leeds - up to £100 Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash. Bracknell Forest - up to £315 Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits. Cambridgeshire County - up to £220 Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers. Falkirk - up to £470 The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200. Stockport - up to £315 Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers. Food Vouchers – worth £150 Camden Council is dishing out £150 food vouchers in June to families with kids on free school meals. No application is needed - around 5,200 children will be sent the vouchers automatically. Healthy Start food help – worth £442 a year New parents or expectant mums can get up to £442 annually for essentials like fruit, veg and baby formula. The Healthy Start scheme gives you a prepaid card loaded with funds every four weeks. Apply online if you're on benefits like Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. Cheap days out – save £101 If you're on Universal Credit, you can unlock serious savings on days out across the UK: London Transport Museum: Entry for just £1 – usually £21 Yorkshire museums: Free entry, saving up to £17 per adult ZSL London Zoo: Entry for £3 – a £31.50 saving Tower of London & Hampton Court: £1 entry instead of £33.60 In total you could save up to £101 on these days out. Help to Save – get £1,200 bonus cash The government's Help to Save scheme gives you a 50% top-up when you put away cash. Save £50 a month and you could get up to £1,200 over four years. Open to those on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit – even small savers will see rewards. Water bill help – worth £400 You could slash your water bill by hundreds through social tariffs or the WaterSure scheme. The support is aimed at low-income families or those who use lots of water due to disability or large households. Contact your supplier directly and ask what help is available. Some firms even offer free water-saving devices like shower timers and cistern bags to bring your usage down. Free prescriptions and healthcare – up to £119 If you're on Universal Credit, you might be eligible for free NHS prescriptions, saving you £9.90 a pop – that's nearly £120 a year. You could also get: Free dental checks Free eye tests Travel reimbursement for medical appointments Free wigs or glasses Use the NHS online checker to see what you can get. Discounted broadband and mobile contracts – worth £370 If you're on Universal Credit, social tariffs could save you a fortune. Some providers offer deals as low as £12.50 a month, slashing the average annual cost by £170. Mobile contracts are also covered – total savings could hit £370 across both. Check Ofcom's full list of providers, or use The Sun's free broadband checker. Council tax support – up to £2,280 Those struggling with council tax could get a major discount – or even have the bill wiped completely. Council Tax Support varies by area, but if you're on a low income or receiving Universal Credit, you could save up to £2,280 a year. Head to to check your eligibility. Energy bill help – up to £2,000 Energy firms like British Gas are offering hardship grants worth up to £2,000. Other suppliers are dishing out energy-saving gadgets and fuel vouchers. If you don't qualify through your supplier, charities like Turn2Us have searchable databases to help you find other grants. The Household Support Fund also covers energy costs – reach out to your council now. Pregnancy grant – worth £500 Mums expecting their first child could claim a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant. It's available to those on Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits. You must apply within 11 weeks of the due date or six months after the baby is born. Print off the SF100 form online and get it signed by a midwife before posting. Support with travel and job applications – worth £150 Claimants can get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card, cutting public transport costs by 50% across the UK. The card lasts for three months and is fre, you just need to be actively job hunting. There's also the Flexible Support Fund, which can cover costs like: Travel to interviews Job training (up to £150) Uniforms, work tools, and childcare Apply at your local JobCentre. Cheap gym memberships – worth £240 Some leisure centres offer Universal Credit claimants gym memberships from as little as £5 a month. That's a £20 saving every month or £240 a year. Everyone Active and Better Leisure both offer discounted rates. Access is often off-peak and varies by location, so check with your nearest centre. Free childcare – worth up to £1,769 a year Working parents on Universal Credit can now get up to 85% of childcare costs covered. The max payout is £1,031.88 a month for one child, or £1,768.94 for two or more – that's over £21,000 a year if claimed in full. You used to have to pay upfront, but now some parents get help before the bills are due. If you're unsure whether you qualify for any of these perks, it's worth checking or speaking to your local council. Don't miss out – the savings could seriously stack up.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Full list of Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £10,221
Plus find out how to check what benefits you could be entitled to BENEFIT BOOST Full list of Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £10,221 FAMILIES on Universal Credit can now cash in on a bumper haul of freebies and discounts worth up to £10,221 this June. From food vouchers to help with bills and even cheap days out, there's a treasure trove of support on offer. 1 Universal credit claimants can cash in on up to £10,221 of freebies this June Here's the full list of what you could be claiming this month. Household Support Fund – worth £500 The Household Support Fund has been extended until March 2026 – and it's dishing out direct payments of up to £500. Local councils like Birmingham are offering £200 payments, while others are handing out food or fuel vouchers. Each council sets its own rules, so check your local authority's website to see what's on offer and how to apply. Find your council via or visit for Birmingham-specific help. Where is the HSF available? Plymouth - up to £740 Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers. Blackpool - up to £300 Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs. Middlesbrough - up to £70 People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child. Leicestershire - up to £300 Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets. Leeds - up to £100 Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash. Bracknell Forest - up to £315 Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits. Cambridgeshire County - up to £220 Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers. Falkirk - up to £470 The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200. Stockport - up to £315 Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers. Food Vouchers – worth £150 Camden Council is dishing out £150 food vouchers in June to families with kids on free school meals. Other Councils across the country have similar schemes over summer with North Somerset offering £100 vouchers. No application is needed - around 5,200 children will be sent the vouchers automatically. Healthy Start food help – worth £442 a year New parents or expectant mums can get up to £442 annually for essentials like fruit, veg and baby formula. The Healthy Start scheme gives you a prepaid card loaded with funds every four weeks. Apply online if you're on benefits like Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. Amazon Prime Gaming April Free Gift Frenzy Cheap days out – save £101 If you're on Universal Credit, you can unlock serious savings on days out across the UK: London Transport Museum: Entry for just £1 – usually £21 Yorkshire museums: Free entry, saving up to £17 per adult ZSL London Zoo: Entry for £3 – a £31.50 saving Tower of London & Hampton Court: £1 entry instead of £33.60 In total you could save up to £101 on these days out. Help to Save – get £1,200 bonus cash The government's Help to Save scheme gives you a 50% top-up when you put away cash. Save £50 a month and you could get up to £1,200 over four years. Open to those on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit – even small savers will see rewards. Water bill help – worth £400 You could slash your water bill by hundreds through social tariffs or the WaterSure scheme. The support is aimed at low-income families or those who use lots of water due to disability or large households. Contact your supplier directly and ask what help is available. Some firms even offer free water-saving devices like shower timers and cistern bags to bring your usage down. Free prescriptions and healthcare – up to £119 If you're on Universal Credit, you might be eligible for free NHS prescriptions, saving you £9.90 a pop – that's nearly £120 a year. You could also get: Free dental checks Free eye tests Travel reimbursement for medical appointments Free wigs or glasses Use the NHS online checker to see what you can get. Discounted broadband and mobile contracts – worth £370 If you're on Universal Credit, social tariffs could save you a fortune. Some providers offer deals as low as £12.50 a month, slashing the average annual cost by £170. Mobile contracts are also covered – total savings could hit £370 across both. Check Ofcom's full list of providers, or use The Sun's free broadband checker. Council tax support – up to £2,280 Those struggling with council tax could get a major discount – or even have the bill wiped completely. Council Tax Support varies by area, but if you're on a low income or receiving Universal Credit, you could save up to £2,280 a year. Head to to check your eligibility. Energy bill help – up to £2,000 Energy firms like British Gas are offering hardship grants worth up to £2,000. Other suppliers are dishing out energy-saving gadgets and fuel vouchers. If you don't qualify through your supplier, charities like Turn2Us have searchable databases to help you find other grants. The Household Support Fund also covers energy costs – reach out to your council now. Pregnancy grant – worth £500 Mums expecting their first child could claim a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant. It's available to those on Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits. You must apply within 11 weeks of the due date or six months after the baby is born. Print off the SF100 form online and get it signed by a midwife before posting. Support with travel and job applications – worth £150 Claimants can get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card, cutting public transport costs by 50% across the UK. The card lasts for three months and is fre, you just need to be actively job hunting. There's also the Flexible Support Fund, which can cover costs like: Travel to interviews Job training (up to £150) Uniforms, work tools, and childcare Apply at your local JobCentre. Cheap gym memberships – worth £240 Some leisure centres offer Universal Credit claimants gym memberships from as little as £5 a month. That's a £20 saving every month or £240 a year. Everyone Active and Better Leisure both offer discounted rates. Access is often off-peak and varies by location, so check with your nearest centre. Free childcare – worth up to £1,769 a year Working parents on Universal Credit can now get up to 85% of childcare costs covered. The max payout is £1,031.88 a month for one child, or £1,768.94 for two or more – that's over £21,000 a year if claimed in full. You used to have to pay upfront, but now some parents get help before the bills are due. If you're unsure whether you qualify for any of these perks, it's worth checking or speaking to your local council. Don't miss out – the savings could seriously stack up.
