Summer living cost payments update as money will be ‘automatically paid’

Cost of living payments will hit the bank accounts of cash-strapped households this summer. Special payments could be worth hundreds of pounds in some areas.

But support will depend on where people live in the country. This is because each individual council operates support schemes through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

Local authorities have received millions of pounds from the Government to help the most needy. Many will offer cash payments to those who meet the criteria.

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People should search online for their local council and ‘Household Support Fund’ to see what is available where they live. The HSF has been extended from the summer to September to help those most affected by the cost of living crisis.

Sandwell Council is the latest Midlands authority to announce its plan for the new round of funding. Payments will be made to “council and private tenants in financial difficulty” and “people struggling with council tax”.

The funding will also be spent providing food vouchers for children who receive free school meals, supporting care leavers and food banks. People have been told they don’t need to request cash as it will be automatically paid to those who qualify.

No specific date was provided for the payments. Sandwell Council said in an update: “The Household Support Fund is money given to councils by the Government to help people who need financial support. The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Sandwell Council has been awarded £3.47 million to help residents between April 2024 and September 2024. There is no need to apply for Household Support funding – payments will be made automatically to eligible households.”