Reminder: You could get £300 in cost of living help this July – here's how to apply

Struggling with rising living costs? You might be able to get up to £300 in free support this month to help cover food, energy bills and essential other costs – and you don’t need to be on benefits to apply.

Thanks to the household support fund (HSF) – which has been extended until March 2026 – many households in the UK can receive financial help from their local council.

But don’t wait too long, as each council has different deadlines and rules, so it’s important to check what’s available in your area.

What is the household support fund?

The HSF was launched in 2021 to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

The money comes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is distributed through local councils.

You can get help with:

• food costs
• utility bills
• other essential items (some councils even offer things like supermarket vouchers or free appliances, like air fryers.  

The money doesn’t need to be paid back.

Who can apply?

You don’t need to be on benefits to qualify.

The fund is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable, in hardship or struggling to pay for essentials.

Each council sets its own rules, so what’s available in one area might be different in another. For example:

• Doncaster Council is offering:
• £300 to households with three or more children
• £200 for two children
• £100 for one child
• £100 energy payment for people receiving:
• housing benefit
• council tax reduction
• universal credit (with housing element)
• free school meals (means-tested)
• Manchester City Council is giving:
• £130 to households receiving council tax support and a disability benefit like disability living allowance (DLA) or personal independence payments (PIP)

How can you apply?

Applications are now open.

Here’s what to do:

Contact your local council – each council has their own scheme, application process and deadlines.

Check if you qualify – even if you’re not on benefits, you might still be eligible.

Apply online or by phone – some councils will pay you automatically if you’ve had a previous payment and your details haven’t changed.

Use the government website to find your local council.