Thousands of households are encouraged to apply for £100 in free cost of living assistance offered through the Household Support Fund. This fund, managed by local councils, aims to assist low-income families with expenses such as food, energy, and water. The support provided varies among councils, with some offering vouchers and others direct cash payments.
City of York Council has highlighted that more than 2,000 eligible residents have yet to claim their £100 payment from the Household Support Fund this winter. The payment, a one-time amount, is deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts and does not require repayment. Eligibility criteria include receiving assistance with council tax payments.
Nearly 5,000 York residents qualify for the fund, with the council already sending letters to households containing a unique reference number and a web link for online applications. Applicants must submit a recent bank statement displaying their name, address, sort code, and account number. The deadline to claim the £100 payment is November 23, 2025.
Cllr Katie Lomas, City of York Council’s Executive Member, emphasized the importance of claiming the support, stressing that the money, provided by the government, is a grant and not a loan. She highlighted the significance of financial aid during the challenging cost of living situation.
For residents outside York, it is advisable to inquire about similar support schemes available through local councils. Examples include Portsmouth City Council offering £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria. Eligibility is based on receiving certain benefits and maintaining a household income below defined thresholds.