UK households offered £100 cost of living payment as new scheme begins

Engaging father and son playtime

People on a string of Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) benefits are being handed £100 (Image: Getty)

Families around the UK can apply for cost of living payments as local authorities benefit from a share of the UK Government's £742million Household Support Fund.

The scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and between April 2025 to March 2026 the money will be distributed among local councils. Different councils have different eligibility criteria; Torbay council, for example, which has opened its fund for the year, is offering £100 to those on benefits including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit.

Those who receive benefit payments, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Attendance Allowance are also eligible.

Torbay Council said: "We expect initial demand to be very high, so please allow 6 weeks to receive a decision on your claim."

The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.

Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council is offering families £150 if they meet eligibility for its share of the Household Support Fund scheme, while East Riding residents can apply for support worth £425 if they have savings of less than £1,000.

Those interested should check their local council's website or social media feeds for information.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a grant funded by UK Government to support those most in need and to help with the rising cost of living. It is not charity and does not need to be paid back.

You can find out information on other forms of support on the GOV.UK website.

Local authorities each decide how to run their schemes separately. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply and to whom the money is given.

For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups, and some limit household applications to one per year.

You will need to check with your local council to find out what support is available.