Households across the UK may be eligible for cost of living support worth up to £500 in January through the Household Support Fund.
The scheme provides financial assistance to people struggling to cover essential living costs, with payments distributed by local councils rather than the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Eligibility is not limited to those claiming benefits, with councils able to award support based on individual financial circumstances.
Local authorities receive Household Support Fund money directly from the DWP and are responsible for deciding how the funding is allocated within their areas.
As a result, support levels, eligibility criteria and application processes vary depending on where households live.
Camden Council is among the authorities offering the highest level of support, with emergency payments of up to £500 available to residents facing severe financial hardship.
The council said the payments are intended for people in urgent financial situations and confirmed that applicants do not need to be in receipt of benefits to qualify.
Camden has also said that successful applicants will be offered help to check whether they are receiving all other financial support they may be entitled to.
According to Government guidance, the Household Support Fund is designed to support people who are vulnerable or struggling to meet essential costs such as food, energy and water bills.
Any payment received through the scheme does not affect entitlement to existing benefits.
For Camden residents, several conditions must be met before an application can be approved.
Eligibility is not limited to those claiming benefits
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GETTYApplicants must have lived in the borough for at least six weeks and must be either the main tenant at their address or the person responsible for paying Council Tax.
Applicants must be aged over 16 and living independently, or aged 18 and above.
The council also requires that applicants are experiencing severe financial hardship and have not already reached the maximum number of awards allowed during the current funding period.
Camden Council said: “Our Cost of Living Fund and Government-funded Household Support Fund provide payments of up to £500 for people in an emergency financial situation.”
Residents requiring assistance with an application can contact the council by telephone.
Support levels differ widely across the country.
Nottingham City Council is offering £98 vouchers to eligible households to help with energy bills, with payments available from January 5.
Britons continues to grapple with the cost of living
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Meanwhile, Leeds City Council operates a voucher scheme delivered through the Post Office.
Households with children in Leeds can receive vouchers worth £120, while those without children may qualify for £55.
Wakefield Council has taken a longer-term approach, distributing payments throughout the year rather than in a single lump sum.
Eligible residents in Wakefield may receive between £40 and £70 between April and December.
The Government has confirmed that councils have discretion over how the Household Support Fund is administered.
This includes setting eligibility rules, deciding whether applications are required, and determining whether payments are made in cash, vouchers or through third-party organisations.
The Government has confirmed that councils have discretion over how the Household Support Fund is administered
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Parliament TVSome councils distribute support via local charities or community groups, while others limit households to one award per year.
Because not all councils actively promote their schemes, residents are encouraged to check their local authority’s website or contact council services directly to find out what support is available.
The current phase of the Household Support Fund is expected to continue into 2025, with further funding decisions to be confirmed by the Government.
Households experiencing financial difficulty are advised to check local eligibility criteria as early as possible, as some councils operate limited budgets and may close applications once funds are exhausted.