Households that missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year could receive a free £150 payment this month through the Household Support Fund.
The Household Support Fund, introduced by the Conservative government in 2021, provides local councils with funding to offer cost-of-living support to residents in their areas. This support can include direct cash payments, energy vouchers, or supermarket vouchers.
Leeds City Council is one of the councils offering additional assistance, announcing a £150 payment for eligible households through the scheme this month. According to the council’s website, pensioner households receiving Council Tax Support as of January 6, 2025, will automatically qualify for the payment. Eligible households will be contacted in advance, and payments are expected to be made by the end of January.
In addition, struggling working households claiming Council Tax Support are set to receive a £40 payment, also expected to be issued this month.
Residents in need can contact the Local Welfare Support Scheme at 0113 376 0330 for help. However, those who have already received support from this service within the last 12 months will not be eligible.
Additional funding has also been provided to council services supporting vulnerable, low-income households to offer further financial aid where necessary. This assistance is only accessible through referrals made by the Leeds Money Information Centre, and residents cannot apply for it directly.
The Household Support Fund is set to end on March 31, 2025, after receiving an additional £421 million in funding from the Labour government last year. Households in Scotland can apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund.