Claim Your £300 Holiday Cash! Universal Credit Households Urged to Check Eligibility

In today’s era when inflation is taking a toll on everyone’s pocket, the financial assistance provided by the government is no less than a lifesaver for poor and needy families. A special scheme has been announced to provide relief to families dependent on Universal Credit this summer, under which eligible households are being given cash assistance of up to £300.

Household Support Fund: Economic Support

The Household Support Fund run by the UK government is still continuing for the needy. The aim of this scheme is to provide relief to those families who are dependent on low income or government benefits. The scheme has been extended several times and its latest period has been fixed from April 2025 to March 2026.

The government has allocated a total of £742 million to every local body (council) in England under this scheme, which is to be distributed among those in need. Although the rules and eligibility conditions of each council may vary, in most cases this assistance is given to low-income or beneficiary families.

Doncaster residents can get help of up to £300

Doncaster Council has announced cash assistance for supermarket shopping to families receiving Universal Credit. Under this scheme:

• If there is one dependent child, the family will get £100.
• A family with two dependent children will be given assistance of £200.
• Families with three or more children will get help of £300.

This assistance will be given to those families who are beneficiaries of schemes such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Means Tested Free School Meals or Council Tax Reduction.

If you have applied for the scheme before, the payment will be made directly to your bank details. If you are applying for the first time, you can apply online by visiting the Doncaster Council website:

🔗 www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/council-tax-benefits/household-support-fund

Voucher scheme also in North Northamptonshire

A separate support scheme is being launched in the region from 4 August, offering supermarket vouchers:

• A single person will receive a £150 voucher.
• A two-person household will receive a £260 voucher.
• A household of three or more will receive a £320 voucher.

This amount will directly help families cover their everyday needs such as food, electricity, water etc.

Does every council offer this support?

Yes, the fund is shared in England, however, the way of its provision and the requirements of eligibility can differ in different councils. Some of the key objectives of the scheme are to support low-income or economically vulnerable families.

The support you can get can range from cash payments to supermarket vouchers. For example:

• In Worcestershire up to £500 is being given to help pay water and electricity bills.
• Devon County Council has distributed £90 worth of supermarket vouchers to families with children on free school meals – £15 a week over the six weeks of summer holidays.
• You can now apply for up to £230 in support at Redcor & Cleveland.

The Household Support Fund

The fund is relatively under-publicised but still offers huge relief to those in need. According to Lana Clements, editor of Sun Savers, the scheme can be a lifeline for people who are unable to afford food, water, energy or other essential services.

The Government has allocated £421 million to each council to provide support to local families in need. Some councils give cash directly, while others provide support through vouchers or other forms of support.

How is eligibility determined?

Processes also differ depending on the council to council eligibility criteria. In other locations, only people on defined benefits like Universal Credit are able to receive support whereas others based the award on the overall family income as decided by their council.

So you must do what you have to do, that is, go to the website of your local council and take a peek at what type of help is being offered there and whether you qualify to receive it or not.

Don’t delay, time is limited!

Although the Household Support Fund has been extended to April 2025, it is not necessary that your council will continue to provide assistance until then. Sometimes the fund ends before the scheduled time, and then no additional help is available.

So if you are struggling financially, apply immediately.

Conclusion

In this era of inflation, this scheme has emerged as an important financial support for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits. The collective efforts of the central government and local bodies are helping needy families to afford food, energy and other essential items. If you are also eligible for these schemes, then get information and apply immediately – it may be that this assistance will make your summer a little lighter and more relaxing

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