UK households can get a slice of up tp £500 cost of living payments this January.
UK households can get up to £500 in the Household Support Fund scheme (Image: Getty)
UK households can get a £500 cost of living payment this January if they live in one part of the UK. Camden Council is offering payments of up to £500 for people ‘in an emergency financial situation’ and those eligible don’t necessarily need to be on benefits in order to apply.
The Household Support Fund is a DWP scheme which hands money to local councils across the country for each to distribute as they see fit. Because it’s funding to local government, each authority can set its own rules for who’s eligible for the money and how much they will give out. Camden Council has chosen to make an emergency fund of up to £500 available, and as part of its service it will also help claimants to ensure they are claiming all of the benefits they are entitled to as well.
If you don’t live in Camden, you may still be able to claim money in another part of the country, as every local council must make HSF funding available, though not all publicise how they distribute the cash.
Camden Council says: “Our Cost of Living Fund and Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) provide payments of up to £500 for people in an emergency financial situation. Apply by completing the form on the Financial support and money advice page. If you require support, call us on 020 7974 4444.
You can get support if you:
- have lived in Camden for at least 6 weeks
- are the main tenant or Council Tax payer
- are over 16 years old and living independently, or 18 years old and over
- are living in severe financial hardship
- have not reached the maximum number of awards for the period
In other areas, Nottingham Council is issuing £98 vouchers for energy bills from Monday, January 5.
Leeds Council is giving out £120 Post Office vouchers to claimants with children, or £55 to those without, and Wakefield Council gives out between £40 and £70 between April and December through the year.
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.
