5 hours ago
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HOUSEHOLDS can now apply for £100 cost of living payments as a vital scheme reopens.
The cash help comes via the Household Support Fund, a giant £742million Government fund.
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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.
Households in Torbay can now apply for support worth £100.
The funding is a one-off payment that can be used towards fuel, water, or food.
You will be eligible for the support if you receive claim benefits such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit.
Or if you or your partner receive Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Attendance Allowance, or have a child.
The council said applicants should expect to wait six weeks before they hear back on whether their application has been accepted or not.
It also said that households will only be entitled to one £100 payment this financial year
You can apply by visiting www.torbay.gov.uk.
You can also apply with paper application which are available are also at Paignton, Brixham and Torquay libraries.
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in Torbay but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help.
For example, East Riding residents can apply for support worth £425.
The funding is on offer to help residents who are struggling with energy and water bills, the cost of food and groceries, and other essential items.
To be eligible you must be an East Riding resident and have savings of less than £1,000.
Residents can apply for the £425 payment, by visiting www.eastriding.gov.uk/householdsupportfund or by calling the council on 01482 393939.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND
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.
What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
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