Families can get up to £275 in cost-of-living payments next month – here’s how to find out if you are eligible and apply
- Everything you need to know about the latest Housing Support Fund payment
Thousands of families could benefit from a £275 cost-of-living payment, which will be paid next month.
The support comes from the Housing Support Fund (HSF), which is a pot worth £842million.
So, what exactly is the HSF payment? Who is eligible for it and how can you apply to receive it?
Read on below for everything you need to know about the upcoming HSF payment.
Thousands of families could benefit from a £275 cost-of-living payment, which will be paid next month. The support comes from the Housing Support Fund (HSF), which is a pot worth £842million
What is the Housing Support Fund payment?
On 30 September 2021, the government announced that vulnerable households across the country would be able to access a new £500 million support fund to help them with essentials over the winter.
This funding was initially scheduled to run until March 2022, but has been extended twice, meaning it will be available until March 2024.
The Household Support Fund was distributed by councils in England to directly help those who needed it most.
The grant was distributed through small payments to support vulnerable households meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities .The money is distributed among councils across England and each council decides how to share their portion of the fund.
Some local authorities are making bank transfers while others are offering to help local residents by giving them food or utility bill vouchers.
Who can apply for HSF?
Those who may be eligible include low-income families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people.
Each council has different eligibility criteria, but most will give priority to applicants who have not received support from the fund in the past 12 months.
When applying for HSF, one thing to bear in mind is that you cannot receive payments on another person’s behalf but you can help them with their claim.
The Household Support Fund was distributed by councils in England to directly help those who needed it most. The grant was distributed through small payments to support vulnerable households meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities .The money is distributed among councils across England and each council decides how to share their portion of the fund
You can assist someone when filling in an application or fill out an application on their behalf, but only the named applicant will receive the payment.
How to apply for HSF
You can apply for the HSF cost of living payments by visiting your local council’s website.
To find your local council, enter your postcode into the government’s council locator tool on its website.
You will then be able to check with your local authority to see what help may available to you.
Some councils are advising applicants of long waiting lists, with Croydon Council stating that you allow up to two weeks for your application to be processed.