Households in certain parts of the UK can now apply for £100 cost of living payments as the Government's Household Support Fund scheme reopens.
The popular initiative, which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will run this year from April 2025 to March 2026, and has opened in Torbay.
This one-off payment can be used towards fuel, water, or food costs for eligible residents and comes from a £742million Government fund that has been distributed to councils across England to help residents in financial need.
Residents in Torbay will be eligible for the £100 payment if they receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit.
Households could claim a £100 cost of living payments thanks to the DWP scheme
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Those who receive benefit payments, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Attendance Allowance are also eligible.
Households with dependent children can also apply for the support. The council will also make payments to pensioners receiving Council Tax Support but not Pension Credit.
Eligibility criteria typically varies based on location, with the majority of local authorities offering help to those on benefits or with low income.
Torbay residents are being reminded to check their eligibility for any financial aid by checking the council's website, where they can also apply from.
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PAPaper application forms are also available local libraries for those who prefer not to apply digitally, however household are being reminded that initial demand is expected to be very high.
Applicants should be prepared to wait up to six weeks before receiving a decision on their claim. The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
Residents in other areas who are struggling financially or receiving benefits will likely be eligible for similar support. For example, East Riding residents can apply for support worth £425 if they have savings of less than £1,000.
Those interested should check their local council's website or social media channels for information. Most councils have dedicated pages for their Household Support Fund schemes.
Residents can search online using their council name and "Household Support Fund" to find details.
Households will "only be entitled to one" £100 payment during this financial year, the council has stated.
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Claimants of DWP support have benefited from cost of living payments PAThis limitation is to ensure the fund can reach as many people as possible who need assistance.
The council also offers additional support through foodbank initiatives and the Torbay Food Alliance.
Six Social Supermarkets are being supported as part of the scheme.
Further financial support is available through partner agencies for those in hardship.
