The Cosmic Watchdog

Several UK households will soon start receiving the new Cost of Living payment, as the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) released the latest guidance. Vulnerable people are entitled to receive some amount under the Household Support Fund, which was introduced by the Government on April 1.

The funding covers the period between April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and is likely to come to around £200, Birmingham Live reports. According to the Government’s website, the fund can be used to support vulnerable households in need with the cost of wider essentials. Support can be delivered through cash, vouchers or in kind, it has been explained.

This may include supporting energy bills for any form of fuel used for domestic heating, cooking, or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders.

It can also be used to support water bills, including for drinking, washing, and cooking, as well as for sanitary purposes and sewerage.

The DWP has provided the funds to County Councils and Unitary Authorities (including Metropolitan Councils and London Boroughs). Applicants are likely to be contacted by the team at the Household Support Fund (HSF) within the next 6-8 weeks.

The Government stated: “The Fund is intended to benefit vulnerable households through crisis support towards the cost of essentials, wider essentials and (in limited circumstances where existing housing support does not meet need) housing costs, and to provide preventative support.”

The fund can be used to support housing costs, however, where eligible, ongoing housing support for rent must be provided through the housing cost element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit rather than the fund.

It must be noted that the fund cannot be used to provide mortgage support, though homeowners could still qualify for the other elements such as energy, water, and food support.