Households can apply for £425 cost of living payments as vital scheme reopens
HOUSEHOLDS can now apply for £425 cost of living payments as a vital scheme reopens.
The cash help comes via the Household Support Fund, a giant £742million Government fund.
The scheme 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.
Households in East Riding can now apply for support worth £425.
The funding is on offer to help residents who are struggling with energy and water bills, the cost of food and groceries, and other essential items.
To be eligible you must be an East Riding resident and have savings of less than £1,000.
The eligibility criteria on depends on who you live with and if you are a pensioner or not.
For example, single working-age adult must make £14,248 per year to qualify and a couple without children must make £23,504 per year.
You can see the rest of the list below:
- Single parent with one child: £23,504 per year
- Single parent with two or more children: £34,320 per year
- Couple with two children: £34,320 per year
- Single pensioner: £15,964 per year
- Couple pensioners: £26,208 per year.
Applications have now reopened for residents, from now until Friday February 27 2026.
Residents can apply for the £425 payment, by visiting www.eastriding.gov.uk/householdsupportfund or by calling the council on 01482 393939.
People who are successfully entitled should receive their payment within 20 days.
What about if I don’t live in East Riding
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in East Riding but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help.
This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable.
What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers.
It’s worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet.
However, it’s worth keeping an eye on your local council’s website or social media channels.
Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to their HSF as well.
You might be able to find it by typing in the name of your council then “Household Support Fund” into Google search.
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.