THOUSANDS of families could receive up to £200 in cost of living support as a vital scheme reopens.
The helping hand is offered to low-income households and designed to provide a boost towards energy and water bills.
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Portsmouth City Council is once again rolling out their utilities payment scheme after the latest energy price cap announcement.
Those eligible in single households could be awarded £150, while those in couples or families could see £200.
Applications will remain open until October 27, however it is worth noting this date may change if funding runs out.
The payments are designed to help single parents on Universal Credit, pensioners on PIP, and carers – as well as many others.
It falls under the Household Support Fund (HSF), which sees hard-up residents across the UK get support via the government.
Council leader Steve Pitt said the scheme is intended “to give more financial help to some of our most vulnerable residents ahead of the winter, when people need to heat their homes”.
Residents can apply online at the council’s website or call the household support team.
This comes as households were also urged this week to check if they can apply for £500 of free cost of living funds as energy bills are set to rise in weeks.
Energy bills are set to climb to £1,737 next month, but thousands of households could be saved by this cash boost available.
There is a scheme being run by the charity Act on Energy in the West Midlands, which hopes to ease pressure on families struggling to pay their bills.
The payment scheme is designed to provide support for families with children under 18, or young adults as old as 21 who are in full-time education.
There are some other requirements for applicants to be successful in receiving the money.
Funding is also limited, so the scheme is on a first-come-first serve basis, and closes at the end of September.
Whilst families can get the one-off boost of £500, there is £300 available for singles or couples.
Depending on how you pay for energy bills, the funds can be sent either directly an energy supplier or provided as pre-payment energy vouchers for those who use key or card meters.
The scheme is only available to those living in areas of the West Midlands, including Stratford-upon-Avon.
Applicants must also meet the income and vulnerability criteria, by providing proof of income and savings.
Elsewhere, the HSF is also offering residents in Kingston Upon Thames a £300 one-off payment to help cover everyday bills.
If you’re on Universal Credit you can still qualify, but those on low incomes without benefits can also get help.
Applications have reopened at 9am on September 1, and there are just 80 slots each month.
It’s first-come, first-served, so you’ll need to be quick.
The HSF has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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