Cost of living payments are set to enter bank accounts of households struggling for money this summer. The special payments could be worth hundreds of pounds in some areas.
But support will depend on where in the country people live. That’s because each individual council is operating support schemes through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Local authorities have been given millions of pounds by the Government to help those most in need. Many will be offering cash payments to those who meet the criteria.
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People should search online for their local council and ‘Household Support Fund’ to see what is available where they live. The HSF has been extended through the summer to September to help those suffering the most with the cost of living crisis.
Sandwell Council is the latest Midlands authority to announce its plan for the new round of funding. Payments will be made to “council and private tenants in financial difficulty” and “people struggling with their council tax”.
Funding will also be spent providing food vouchers for kids who get free school meals, supporting care leavers and food banks. People have been told they don’t need to apply for cash as it will be paid automatically to those who qualify.
A specific date for payments has not been provided. Sandwell Council said in an update: “The Household Support Fund is money given to councils by the Government to help people in need of financial support. The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.
“Sandwell Council has received £3.47million to help residents between April 2024 and September 2024. There’s no need to apply for the Household Support Funding – payments will be made automatically to eligible households.”
