Thousands of households are being encouraged to apply for a £100 cash benefit from the Household Support Fund to help with increasing expenses like food, energy, and water bills. The fund, allocated by local councils to low-income families, offers either vouchers or direct cash transfers based on individual council decisions.
City of York Council has alerted that over 2,000 eligible residents have not yet availed their one-time £100 payment from the Household Support Fund this season. The payment, disbursed directly into recipients’ bank accounts, is non-repayable and accessible to those already receiving council tax relief.
Nearly 5,000 York residents qualify for this payment, having received notification letters containing a unique reference number and a web link to apply online. Applicants must submit a recent bank statement displaying their personal details and bank information. The deadline for claiming the benefit is November 23, 2025.
Cllr Katie Lomas, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Finance, emphasized the importance of claiming the fund before the deadline, highlighting its significant impact on easing winter expenses. She stressed that the financial aid, provided by the government, doesn’t require repayment and can be pivotal during the ongoing cost of living challenges.
For those outside York, exploring similar support schemes from local councils like Portsmouth City Council, which offers £150 for single individuals and £200 for couples or families, can be beneficial. Eligibility criteria include receiving specific benefits and maintaining a household income below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples and families, including single-parent households.