Thousands of households have been encouraged to apply for a £100 cash benefit under the Household Support Fund to help offset increasing living expenses. The fund, managed by local councils, assists low-income families with essential bills like food, energy, and water. Different councils provide support in various forms, such as vouchers or direct cash assistance, at their discretion.
City of York Council has raised an alarm, reporting that over 2,000 eligible residents have yet to claim their one-time £100 payment from the Household Support Fund this season. The payment is deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts and does not require repayment. Eligibility is linked to receiving council tax support.
Nearly 5,000 residents in York qualify for this benefit, with the council already dispatching letters to households containing a web link and a unique reference code for online application. To claim the payment before the November 23, 2025 deadline, applicants must submit a recent bank statement displaying their personal details and account information.
Cllr Katie Lomas, the Executive Member for Finance, Performance, and Human Rights at City of York Council, emphasized the importance of claiming the Household Support Fund payment before the deadline, highlighting that the government-funded aid is not a loan and can significantly ease financial burdens during the winter months.
Residents outside of York are advised to inquire with their local council about support available through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Portsmouth City Council is granting £150 to single individuals and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria. Eligibility is determined by receiving certain benefits and having a household income below specified thresholds for different household types.
Household income limits apply based on household composition and must not exceed set amounts for single adults or couples/families, including single parents.