All data will be distributed four new cost of living payments

UK households are set to receive a boost in the form of four new cost of living payments in June and July. The government announced this new wave of financial support following the end of previous cost of living payments administered by the DWP.

Instead, the Household Support Fund, renewed in the Spring Budget, will be used. This approach allows the central government to provide funds to local authorities, who can then distribute them according to their own eligibility criteria. Wakefield Council is one such authority which has revealed details of its scheme. It plans to issue a £75 supermarket voucher to all households currently on Council Tax support.

Pensioners will receive their first £75 voucher between 3 June and 12 June 2024. Disabled people will then receive theirs between 17 and 26 June, followed by all other households except families with one child on 28 June. Finally, families with at least one child will receive their vouchers on July 18, Express reports.

READ MORE HMRC £900 boost for everyone with this pay code today

The household support fund extends its reach beyond just vouchers. It has been announced by the council that direct help will also be offered to those struggling with the costs of toiletries, baby essentials, key bills including utilities and telephones, gas and electricity, clothing and white goods such as refrigerators and washing machines.

Sheffield Council and Leeds Council, among other authorities, offer direct cash assistance through their websites.

Leeds Council says: “We will make a one-off payment of £75 or £100 to households living in Leeds who are in receipt of Council Tax support. Households with children and pensioner households will receive £100 and working-age households without children will receive £75.”

Each local authority in the UK will maintain a slightly different scheme – each with varying eligibility and payment requirements. Many are expected to announce their own schemes this week, so it is recommended that you check with your local council to determine if you qualify for the fund where you live.