Government offering £300 to households

Households grappling with the rising cost of living could get a welcome boost, as they may be eligible for up to £300 in support via the government’s Household Support Fund. This scheme, established by the previous Tory administration back in 2021, allocates funds to local councils, enabling them to offer necessary aid to residents facing financial strain.

The assistance provided can vary from council to council and could include payments to offset daily expenses, or vouchers for supermarkets and energy expenses.

Each local council has its specific set of supportive measures, meaning accessibility depends on where you live. In Doncaster, for example, Take Doncaster for instance; local households are being offered a £300 payment to help with their energy bills.

What makes this help unique is that it’s available for everyone feeling the pinch—not limited to those on government benefits. Yet, there’s a process to go through: to secure the aid, an approved “referrer” needs to endorse the household, with the application submitted on their behalf. Potential referrers span a variety of groups, ensuring accessibility for those in need, reports the Mirror.

Each household can only benefit from one referral within a six-month funding period. So if you’ve already received the £300 in October, you won’t qualify for another round right now.

For those who haven’t, the clock is ticking—you have until the 31st of March to snag this support before the current iteration of the Household Support Scheme wraps up for good. If you’re struggling with your grocery bills, you can also apply for supermarket e-vouchers worth up to £65 per household, plus an extra £20 for each dependent child under 18. This scheme operates through referrals.

Care leavers are eligible for a £65 e-voucher sent directly to them in December and February 2025, facilitated by the care system and their personal assistant. Additionally, Doncaster Council is offering supermarket e-vouchers for children who receive free school meals during school holidays.

Each eligible child will receive a £20 voucher each holiday period, with the next one due during this year’s Spring half term. This scheme is only available to Doncaster residents, but other local councils may have similar Household Support Schemes. Keep an eye on your local authority’s website for updates.

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