You may not realise you could get financial support through your local council
UK residents are urged to check if they could qualify for financial support from their local council. Certain people will be eligible for assistance from the Household Support Fund.
This money is there to help anyone who is struggling to cover essential costs. These include bills, food, and other items.
However, the way in which the money is distributed will vary depending on where you live as it’s up to each council to decide how to award help. In a post made to social media platform X, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), issued a reminder about the money.
Ofgem said: “Did you know, you might be eligible for help from the Government’s Household Support Fund? You can apply through your local council for financial support with essentials including utility bills.
“Visit your council’s page to find out more.” The Government website provides more details about the scheme.
It says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’.”
GOV.UK says this could help if you’re “struggling to afford things like”:
- Energy and water bills
- Food
- Essential items
Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays. It is important to note that this money is not only for people who are on benefits.
GOV.UK says: “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.”
But if you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.
Find out about schemes in your area. Councils decide how to run their schemes, which means there may be differences in:
- Eligibility criteria
- If or how you need to apply
- Who money is given to
Check with your local council to find out what support is available online here.
