Thousands of households have been encouraged to apply for £100 in no-cost living assistance via the Household Support Fund. This fund, allocated by local councils to low-income households, aims to alleviate financial burdens such as food, energy, and water expenses.
The assistance varies among councils, with some offering vouchers and others providing direct cash payments. City of York Council has highlighted that over 2,000 eligible residents in their area have yet to claim the one-time £100 payment from the Household Support Fund this winter.
Eligible recipients will receive the payment directly into their bank accounts without any repayment obligations. Individuals receiving council tax support qualify for this financial assistance.
Nearly 5,000 residents in York are eligible for the scheme, with council letters already dispatched to households containing a unique reference number and a web link for online applications. To claim the payment, applicants must submit a recent bank statement displaying their personal details and account information. The deadline for claims is November 23, 2025.
Cllr Katie Lomas, the Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, emphasized the importance of claiming the support before the deadline, stating that the funds are a non-repayable government grant that can significantly aid in covering winter expenses.
Residents outside York are advised to explore similar support options available through their local councils. For instance, Portsmouth City Council is providing £150 for single individuals and £200 for couples or families facing financial challenges.
To qualify for the Household Support Fund, recipients must be receiving specific benefits, and their household income should fall below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples or families, including single-parent households.
Household incomes must also remain below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples or families, including single-parent households to be eligible for the support.