Play all audios:
UK households can look forward to receiving cost of living payments up to £300 in June to help cover expenses such as food and energy bills. The Household Support Fund scheme has been
extended, now set to run from its current timeframe until March 2026, with individual council deadlines for applications. Local councils are given funding by the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP) to distribute amongst those in dire straits according to their discretion. As such, each council formulates its own criteria for eligibility and dictates the sum allocated.
Currently, in Doncaster, households with three or more children can receive up to £300, while those with one child may get £100 and families with two children may be eligible for £200 -
provided Child Benefit is being claimed, reports the Express. Furthermore, Doncaster Council offers an additional £100 to help with energy costs for households, children or not, qualifying
through Housing Benefit, a Council Tax reduction, Universal Credit that includes housing costs, or means-tested free school meals. A statement from Doncaster Council read: "The
Government has provided further Household Support Funding to Local Authorities for the period April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 to support those households most in need with payments towards
food, household energy bills and wider essentials." They also indicated: "If you are eligible for an automatic payment, or you successfully apply between now and July, payment will
be made as follows." The statement released advises, "You only need to contact us if your bank account has changed since your previous award. If we previously paid you by cheque,
you will be sent a cheque again unless you provide us with your bank details." Each local authority wields discretion over the allocation of funds received from the DWP for the scheme,
leading to varied rules and disbursement amounts. In its particular offer, Calderdale Council is providing up to £85 in payments; families with children or disability are eligible for £85,
while £40 goes to single individuals or couples and children. GET ALL THE LATEST MONEY STORIES SENT TO YOUR PHONE Get all the latest money stories from Yorkshire Live straight to your mobile
via WhatsApp by clicking here. Whether it's the latest DWP announcements, pensions changes or the latest offers and discounts, you'll get it all. If you don’t like our community,
you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here. Crucially, there is no mandate in Calderdale
for claimants to be on prescribed benefits to be qualified for these sums. Over in Manchester, the City Council has declared upcoming payments of £130 until March 2026, noting:
"Households receiving Council Tax Support and a disability benefit, for example, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will get £130. Only one
payment will be made per household." Nevertheless, certain councils have established that those benefiting from existing benefits will be prioritisied for funding, though it's not
an absolute necessity under government policies governing Household Support Fund eligibility. Government guidelines make it clear on their portal stating: "Funding is aimed at anyone
who's vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council." Moreover, any payment received from the Household
Support Fund schemes won't impact any ongoing benefits, the site confirms: "If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund
scheme. Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply, who money is given to. "For example, some councils share
out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year." See if you can apply here.