HOUSEHOLDS struggling with rising bills can now bag up to £300 in cost of living cash – but you’ll need to be quick.
The Household Support Fund (HSF), worth a huge £742million, has been extended once again, with the latest round running until March 2026.
2
2
The pot is being split between councils across England, which can dish out the cash to struggling residents.
In Kingston Upon Thames, households can claim a £300 one-off payment to help cover everyday bills.
That could mean extra support with food shops, energy bills, or water costs.
And you don’t need to be on benefits to apply.
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 scheme then resets on the first working day of every month until March 2026.
There is one rule to remember – if you’ve already had a payment, you won’t be able to reapply the following month.
Kingston Council is only giving one-off payments for this round of the HSF scheme.
What if I don’t live in Kingston?
It’s not just Kingston residents who can get a helping hand.
Support varies across the country.
In Bromsgrove & Redditch, residents can claim up to £350, while in East Sussex, the payout is worth £195.
And in Cornwall, struggling families can pocket £140.
The fund was set up to help people on low incomes or classed as vulnerable, and all payments are made directly into applicants’ bank accounts.
Some areas have already opened applications.
But if you got help in the last HSF round (October 2024 to March 2025), your next shot to apply is September 15, 2025 – if there’s still cash left.
The scheme officially closes on March 31, 2026, but funding could run out sooner if demand is high.
For more information on how to apply, head to www.kingston.gov.uk.
You can also check with your local council to see what support you could be entitled to.
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.
