Households Can Access £300 Support from Household Fund in England

Struggling households across England will soon have the opportunity to apply for financial support of up to £300 through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The scheme, which has been extended multiple times, will next run from April 2025 to March 2026, providing essential assistance to those facing increased living costs.

Each local council in England has received a share of a total £742 million fund, designed to help residents who may be experiencing financial hardship. The eligibility criteria for this support can vary by location but generally targets those on benefits or individuals with low incomes.

Application Process and Limitations

Households in areas such as Kingston Upon Thames can apply for this one-off payment, aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure many are currently facing. Applications open at 09:00 on the first working day of each month. Each council will accept a maximum of 80 applications per month, processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Notably, if a household receives a payment in one month, they will not be eligible to apply again in the following month, as the council is only distributing one-off payments during this round of the HSF scheme. This means that applicants should be prompt in submitting their applications.

The scheme will close for applications in August, but will reopen on September 1 for those who did not receive support from the previous HSF round, which lasted from October 2024 to March 2025. Following this, eligible households will have the opportunity to apply again on the first working day of each month until March 2026.

Support Across England

For those residing outside of Kingston, the £742 million Household Support Fund is available nationwide. Other councils have also implemented similar initiatives. For instance, residents in Bromsgrove and Redditch can apply for assistance of up to £350, while those in East Sussex may receive up to £195. This funding is intended to help with essential expenses such as food, energy, and water bills, with payments going directly into the bank accounts of eligible applicants.

The primary goal of the HSF is to provide crucial support to low-income families and vulnerable individuals. Each local authority determines how to distribute these funds, with some councils offering vouchers and others providing cash payments.

Applications for support from councils are already open, specifically for households that did not receive a payment from the previous fund. Other eligible households will be able to apply starting from September 15, 2025, as long as funds remain available.

With rising living costs impacting many families, the Household Support Fund serves as a vital resource. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their local councils to understand the specific support available and the application process. Timeliness is essential, as funds may become depleted before the scheme officially closes on March 31, 2026.

For more detailed information on how to apply, residents can visit their local council’s website or the main portal at www.kingston.gov.uk.