Households could receive a direct payment of £125 in weeks under revamped government scheme, but there’s a problem

Households across the country can apply for help directly from their councils in a cost of living scheme which aims to help the most needy families. In the latest payment, thousands of households will be in line for a free direct payment of £125 over the next few weeks as Reading council takes some of the first steps to use the revamped Household Support Fund. The scheme provided county councils and unitary authorities across England with £421 million.

Each local authority has full control over its share of the fund, which depends on the population in its area and the number of vulnerable households. Authorities can decide who in their constituencies will be eligible, how they can apply and ultimately who to give the money to with charities and community projects running alongside individual households.

Residents of England are encouraged to check with their local council to find out how the fund is being used in their area and whether they may be eligible for support. Most of this information is available on local council websites, which readers can find through this tool.

Once you’ve found your council, there should be information on how to apply on their website. Each council will have a different application process – so the exact details of how to apply will vary depending on where you live.

The funding was renewed on 1 April and is to cover up to and including 30 September. As part of the scheme, the government has encouraged local authorities to use it to meet the immediate needs of their population, help vulnerable households and those struggling to afford essentials such as energy and water bills.

Two months later, some councils have already put the funding into plans that vary widely between catchment areas. Reading residents are to receive £125 vouchers in July for households on pupil premium or free school meals children eligible for direct support and care leavers will receive the support payments.

Middlesborough is offering families £70 per child, which will be automatically distributed to those who meet the eligibility criteria for free school meals, while Blackpool residents experiencing financial hardship can receive between £200 and £300, in depending on how many people are in the household, if they don’t have. received a payment from the Household Support Fund in the last 12 months.

Although government guidance has indicated that the fund is not limited to helping those on benefits, some councils are opting for a benefits-focused eligibility approach, with those living in Falkirk benefiting from tax cuts, housing benefit, universal credit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance or pension credit can apply for up to £470 in cash support.