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Universal Credit Claimants Have Days Left to Secure Up to £1,000 in Cost of Living Support

Councils have until March 2026 to distribute the Household Support Fund; they can close applications early when allocations run out

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Overview

  • The UK Government has allocated £742 million to the Household Support Fund to help low-income households cover essentials like food, energy and water bills.
  • Local authorities set their own eligibility criteria and require applicants to provide income evidence, bank details and an explanation of financial hardship.
  • Portsmouth City Council’s application window closes at noon on June 12, and other councils may shut theirs early if they exhaust their allocations.
  • Base payments start at £350 for single-person households and rise to £800 for six or more members, with an extra £200 top-up for those deemed in highest need.
  • Payment methods vary by area, with some councils offering direct cash transfers, others distributing vouchers, and places like Doncaster and Middlesbrough capping support at £300 and £120 respectively.