STRUGGLING households can soon apply for financial support worth up to £300.
Hard-up households can get support via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Struggling households can get support worth £300[/caption]
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.
Struggling households in Kingston Upon Thames can apply for support through the scheme.
A one-off payment worth £300 will be given to households struggling with living costs.
If you are on Universal Credit you can apply, but those not on benefits can also apply for the support.
Applications open at 9am on the first working day of each month.
There is a limit of 80 applications per month, which are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The scheme is closed for August, but households can reapply again on September 1.
But, if you miss the chance to apply next month you can try again in October.
The council will reopen the scheme on each first working day of the month until March 2026.
But it is worth noting that if you receive a payment one month, you cannot apply again the following month to get more cash.
That is because the council is only giving one-off payments for this round of the HSF scheme.
For more information on how to apply you can visit, www.kingston.gov.uk.
What if I don’t live in Kingston?
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.
Meanwhile, households in East Sussex can apply for support worth £195.
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.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council is also giving struggling families a one-off payment worth £140.
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.