As of June 2025, there’s no UK-wide £200 Cost of Living Payment scheduled by the central government. But that doesn’t mean support has disappeared altogether. Many local councils across England are continuing to offer up to £200 in aid through the Household Support Fund (HSF)—a key resource for households grappling with high living costs, utility bills, and everyday financial stress.
If you’re seeking help this summer, now’s the time to explore what your local authority can offer.
What You Need to Know About the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a government-backed program designed to help low-income and vulnerable households with essential living costs. Although there is no national one-time payment for June 2025, councils have the flexibility to distribute aid based on local needs and priorities.
Here’s how the fund works:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to £200, depending on council availability |
| Eligibility | Varies by local authority; income-based |
| Application Method | Online, phone, or in person |
| Payout Timing | No fixed date; depends on council processing |
| Related Schemes | Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, Warm Home Discount |
| Official Source | GOV.UK – Household Support Fund |
Where the Money Goes: What the Fund Can Cover
Each local council determines how to use their portion of the £742 million national allocation for 2025–2026. Most councils focus on critical needs such as:
- Grocery and food costs
- Electricity, gas, and water bills
- Housing and rent assistance
- Emergency items like clothing, beds, or essential appliances
This flexibility ensures councils can address real-time challenges in their specific communities.
Who Qualifies for Household Support in 2025?
Eligibility differs from one council to another, but common criteria include:
- You must live within the council’s boundaries
- You are on a low income or have recently experienced financial hardship
- You receive benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
- You haven’t already received a similar payment within the last year (in some areas)
Proof of hardship is usually required—so be prepared with documents like benefit letters, bank statements, or recent utility bills.
Spotlight: Birmingham’s £200 Hardship Grant
In previous rounds, Birmingham City Council issued one-time £200 hardship grants to residents who:
- Could show evidence of financial hardship
- Lived within Birmingham’s boundaries
- Had not already received a payment during that financial year
Although the scheme is currently paused, the council may reopen applications based on available funding. Residents are encouraged to check the council’s website regularly for updates.
How to Apply for Local Cost of Living Support
If you’re ready to see if you qualify for local aid, follow these steps:
1. Find Your Local Council
Use the “Find your local council” tool on GOV.UK to get to the right website for your area. That’s where updates on Household Support Fund availability are posted.
2. Check the Eligibility Criteria
Each council sets its own rules. You may need to provide:
- Photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
- Recent bank statements
- Benefit award letters
3. Submit Your Application
Depending on your council, you may apply:
- Online through a portal
- By downloading and submitting a form
- Over the phone
- In person at council offices
Be sure all documents are complete and legible to avoid processing delays.
4. Wait for a Decision
Decisions typically take 1–3 weeks, depending on demand. Notifications come via email, letter, or phone call.
Additional Government Help You Might Qualify For
Besides the HSF, several other UK-wide support schemes are still active:
Winter Fuel Payment
- For those born before 23 September 1958
- Annual payment of £200–£300
Cold Weather Payment
- £25 per week for each 7-day cold period from November to March
- Automatically paid to qualifying benefit recipients
Warm Home Discount
- £150 discount applied directly to your electricity bill
- Available to certain low-income and vulnerable households
Each of these schemes targets seasonal or energy-related needs, helping to ease the overall cost of living burden.
Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Story
Sarah, a single mother living in Nottingham, received a £200 hardship grant in 2024. With rising food prices and two school-aged children, she used the money to cover grocery bills and buy new uniforms before the school year started.
Without this support, she said she would have needed to rely on food banks. It’s a clear example of how targeted local funding can make a real difference in daily life.
Why Local Schemes Matter in 2025
Even without a national one-off payment, the Household Support Fund provides vital local-level aid to those who need it most. Councils understand the specific challenges facing their communities and are better positioned to deliver personalized help quickly and effectively.
As funding is available through March 2026, families still have time to apply—but early applications are strongly advised, especially in high-demand areas.
