Britons don’t have long left to claim cost of living assistance from the Household Support Fund.

Introduced in October 2021, the scheme provides local councils with funding which can be used to support those struggling most with the rising cost of living.

The vast majority of councils operate their version of the Household Support Fund on a “first come, first serve” basis and will officially end the schemes once the funding has run out in September.

The help provided by councils has ranged from free cash payments, council tax discounts, and vouchers for supermarkets and energy providers.

Who is eligible?

Local authorities were instructed to target the funding at “vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs” when it was first rolled out.

In particular, councils were guided to make priority considerations for those who: 

• Are eligible but not claiming qualifying benefits;
• Became eligible for benefits after the relevant qualifying dates;
• Are receiving housing benefit only;
• Are normally eligible for benefits but who had a nil award in the qualifying period.

If you do not meet these criteria, you can still contact your local council, with many having broadened their criteria for eligibility.

Cost of living is the biggest issue facing NSW families.@ChrisMinnsMP should continue the former Government’s Back to School vouchers – cost of living assistance which gave all parents $150 in vouchers per child to help with costs of school supplies, uniforms and technology. pic.twitter.com/2GICidRyWC

— Mark Speakman (@MarkSpeakman) January 15, 2024