UK households urged to apply for new £300 cost of living payment

Families who are struggling are being urged to apply for cost of living payment worth up to £300. West Berkshire Council is providing the cash help as part of the Household Support Fund.

The Household Support Fund provides financial assistance to vulnerable households with the cost of essentials like food, energy, and water. It is down to each council to decide what type of help it wants to provide and which households are eligible.

West Berkshire Council is awarding cash payments to households that are "in crisis" and in need of financial support. If you are in a household with three or more children, you will be awarded £300.

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Households with one to two children will get £250, and other households with no children could get £150. You can apply online now. You will be asked to provide evidence of your income and outgoings, plus any savings you may have, a bank statement, and a recent utility bill.

The council writes on its website: "The Household Support Fund is there to support those most in need. Priority will be given to households who are ineligible for other government support and vulnerable groups regarding the cost of living crisis."

If you're not a West Berkshire resident, it is worth checking what support your local council can offer you through the Household Support Fund.

For example, Ribble Valley Borough Council is giving out food vouchers to eligible households that have a combined household income of less than £35,000 per year.

You can get a £200 voucher if you live alone, £300 if you live in a households with two or more adults, or £500 for households with children.

If you received a voucher from the council between April 2024 to September 2024, then you will only be eligible for further help after October 2025.

City of Doncaster Council is providing help to households that are in receipt of certain benefits, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit and free school meals.

If you're in a household with one dependent child, you will get a £100 payment for food, while £200 will be paid for two dependent children, and £300 for three dependent children.

The council described a dependant child as one you are receiving Child Benefit for. A single payment will be made for energy bills to households that meet the eligibility criteria.

Hull City Council is giving £200 to pensioner households. Meanwhile, low income families will get a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meals.