THOUSANDS of struggling families are being urged to claim a free £195 cash boost but they must act fast as funding is limited.
The one-off payment, aimed at helping households cope with the soaring cost of living, is being handed out through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Families can apply for a free £195 cash handout[/caption]
The scheme has been made possible thanks to extra money from East Sussex County Council, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The cash is intended to help with essential bills such as food, energy and water and will go straight into eligible applicants’ bank accounts. But the scheme will close on March 31, 2026, or earlier if the pot runs dry.
Applications are already open but only to households who did not receive a payment from the previous Household Support Fund 6, which ran from October 2024 to March 2025.
All other eligible households will be able to apply from September 15, 2025, as long as money is still available.
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 £421 million 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.
To qualify, applicants must be over 18, live in the Rother District Council area, be struggling with basic costs and receive one of the following: Universal Credit (with the Housing Cost element), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Only one application per household is allowed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
If more than one person from the same home applies, later claims will be automatically refused.
However, anyone moving into a different council area can make a new claim there, as long as they meet the local eligibility rules.
The £195 payment will be made directly into bank accounts, and in some cases households may be asked for extra evidence, such as a recent bank statement, to verify details before money is released.
Families who have applied for the Household Support Fund before can use their existing online account to reapply.
A quick code – 573B4L – has been issued to help claimants find the correct scheme.
The Household Support Fund was introduced to help Britain’s poorest households deal with soaring bills, and has been extended several times since it first launched in 2021.
In many parts of the country it is used to provide vouchers, food parcels, or help with heating costs.
Demand is expected to be high, with charities warning that thousands of families are still battling to pay for basics.
Once the money is gone, the scheme will close early, leaving many without support.
Households are being urged to check eligibility and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
More details, including how to apply and other cost-of-living support, can be found at gov.uk/cost-of-living.
What if I don’t live in the Rother District council area?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in this area 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.
For example, residents in Bromsgrove & Redditch can apply for support worth up to £350.
How much you can get depends on a number of factors, including how many people you live with or if you have a family.
For example, single residents in the area could qualify for £200, while couples can get £250.
Those with families get the highest reward of £350.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council is also giving struggling families a one-off payment worth £140.
Where is the HSF available?
Plymouth – up to £740
Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.
Blackpool – up to £300
Households with one or two people – including children – will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
Middlesbrough – up to £70
People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you’ll get a voucher for £70 per child.
Leicestershire – up to £300
Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Leeds – up to £100
Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
Bracknell Forest – up to £315
Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits.
Cambridgeshire County – up to £220
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers.
Falkirk – up to £470
The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200.
Stockport – up to £315
Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers.