UK households handed £500 cost of living payments in February with no benefits needed

Households across the UK are being offered up to £500 in cost of living payments in February to spend on food, energy bills and other essentials.

The Household Support Fund has been extended for 2025. The scheme sees the DWP send funds to local councils across the UK for the authorities to distribute to those in needs as it sees fit.

Because the scheme hands the autonomy to local authorities, each local council has a different set of eligibility criteria as well as a different amount of money it will give out.

For example, Solihull Council is giving out energy bill vouchers worth £147 or direct debt relief of up to £500 for those struggling with utility bills.

In London, Camden Council is offering a Household Support Fund payment of up to £500 per household, as well as up to £30 supermarket shopping vouchers for each eligible child.

Leeds Council by contrast is giving out £40 payments, or £150 to pensioners who aren’t eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.

In Calderdale, households with children or the disabled will get £100 payments.

Although some councils stipulate that they will give the money to those on benefits, you don’t necessarily need to be claiming any benefits to qualify for support.

The government’s website says: “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.

“If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.

“Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply, who money is given to.

“For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.”

Check here to see if you can apply before the March 31 deadline.