THOUSANDS of UK households will soon be able to apply for £200 worth of cash to cover the cost of living, after a government scheme was extended.
The help comes as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund, and aims to aid those who are most vulnerable.
The scheme has been extended a number of times, with the latest round of payments running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Thousands of households in Hull will soon be able to benefit from the scheme, after the Yorkshire council was allocated £5.3 million of the fund.
The fund will be used to give eligible pensioners £200 to help them out after the Government made cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Low income families will also be eligible for a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meals.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “We know that people are continuing to be severely impacted by the ongoing increases in the cost of living.
“As a Council, we’re using this funding to help vulnerable residents afford the essentials.
“No-one should have to make the choice between heating or eating when we get to the colder months, so we’ve allocated this money now to make sure we have the right things in place for the next year.”
Hull City Council has not yet opened applications for payments, but updates will be posted on the council’s website.
What If I Don’t Live In Hull?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in Hull 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.
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 current round runs until the end of March 2026.
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.
Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to their HSF as well.
You might be able to find it by typing in the name of your council then “Household Support Fund” into Google search.
You may have to apply for help through the HSF or you may be contacted directly by your council.
Some local authorities send letters to your home to let you know about next steps you need to take.
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