Household Support Fund: UK homes to get £300 DWP cost of living payment in 2025 and air fryers - how to apply

• Thousands of UK households are set to receive £300 payments and free air fryers

• The support is part of the government’s Household Support Fund to ease living costs

• Councils across the UK are distributing cash, vouchers and appliances to eligible residents

• The initiative aims to help with food, utility bills and energy costs

• Households should check their local council’s website for details on how to apply

Thousands of households will soon receive £300 payments - and free air fryers - through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).

The HSF provides assistance for essential expenses such as food, clothing and utility bills, offering support through vouchers and small grants to help ease the financial pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.

Administered by local councils, payment amounts and eligibility criteria may vary by region. Below, you’ll find details on the latest local HSF schemes announced this week.

For information about similar programs in your area, please see the details at the end of this article.  

Dudley

Dudley households can now apply for a one-time £200 payment to help alleviate the burden of rising living costs. To qualify for the payment, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have an individual income below £30,000 or a household income under £40,000 for multi-occupant homes

Hold savings of less than £2,000.Reside in Dudley and be responsible for council tax

This funding is not available to those who received a Household Support Fund payment between April 2024 and January 21, 2025.

Payments are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so eligible households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Successful applicants will receive the funds directly into their bank accounts, and applications must be submitted online.

For more information, head to Dudley Council’s website

Sandwell

Low-income pensioners in Sandwell, West Midlands, may still be able to claim financial support through the Household Support Fund.

In December, Sandwell Council distributed vouchers worth £200 to around 4,000 eligible households as part of the initiative. These vouchers, sent alongside a letter, can be redeemed at local Post Offices but must be cashed in by March 19, 2025.

The support is aimed at older residents who receive a Council Tax Reduction but do not qualify for Pension Credit. The council has reported that over 75% of the vouchers have already been redeemed.

But hundreds of households have yet to claim their £200, prompting officials to issue a reminder about the approaching deadline.

For more information, head to Sandwell Council’s website

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Shropshire Council has been given a further grant of £2.1 million from the scheme. This money is to help people in Shropshire to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy and water bills, food, and wider essentials. 

The authority said that the fund will be delivered through both targeted and application-based support to ensure help is available to a wide range of vulnerable households in most need with the cost of essentials.

For more information, head to Shropshire Council's website

How to apply for the HSF in your area

The Government’s website says that those who are in need of help from the Household Support Fund should contact their local council, who will help them access the fund.

To find out if you are eligible to receive assistance from the Household Support Fund in your council area, follow these steps:

Visit your local council's website: Most councils have information about the Household Support Fund on their official websites, including eligibility criteria, application processes and contact details for further assistance.

Check eligibility criteria: Eligibility often depends on factors such as income level, receipt of certain benefits (like Council Tax Support or Universal Credit) and specific household circumstances (e.g., having children, being a pensioner or having disabilities).

Look for application details: Some councils provide automatic payments to eligible residents, while others require an application. Information on how to apply, necessary documentation and deadlines will typically be available on the council's website.

Contact your council directly: If you have difficulty finding the information online, you can contact your local council's customer service or welfare support team for assistance.

If you think you might be eligible for the Household Support Fund or have already received your support, we’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below to share your experience or ask any questions you might have.