Households on Universal Credit can claim £300 cash this summer holiday – will you get a boost?
Hard-up families can claim support through the government's Household Support 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 has a share of £742million which it can dole out to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies but help is usually offered to those on low income or claiming benefits.
Households in Doncaster can apply for cost of living cash worth up to £300 to help with a supermarket shop.
You must have dependent children to qualify for the support.
A dependant child is a child for whom you receive Child Benefit.
For example, if you have one dependent child you will receive £100.
This rises to £200 if you are a household with two dependent children.
If you have three or more kids the amount you receive is £300.
To be eligible for the support you must be claiming Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, means tested free school meals or council tax reductions.
Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now
If you previously applied for the support, a payment will be made to the bank account using information you previously provided.
If you have not submitted an application before you can do so online by visiting, www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/council-tax-benefits/household-support-fund.
Elsewhere, residents of North Northamptonshire can apply for supermarket vouchers worth up to £320 on August 4.
A person who lives alone will be given a voucher worth £150.
Meanwhile, a house with two residents could receive £260 for their food shop.
If you live in a home with three residents or more you will receive a voucher worth £320.
Does every council offer support?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don't live in this area 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.
For example, residents in Worcestershire can apply for support worth up to £500 to help with water and energy costs.
Devon County Council has also issued supermarket vouchers worth more than £90 to 22,000 families with children on free school meals.
The £90 is equivalent to £15 per week for the six week school holiday.
Households in Redcar & Cleveland can also now apply for support worth up to £230.
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 £421million 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.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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