Cost of living payments hitting bank accounts in July and August with £895 boost

UK households can still claim a portion of up to £895 to assist with living costs this July and August, despite the government's direct Cost Of Living scheme having ended. Local councils across the UK are continuing to distribute funds in collaboration with the DWP through the Household Support Fund.

This fund, transferred from central government to local authorities, allows councils to provide financial aid to those most in need within their communities. Each local area is utilising the money differently, with some choosing to automatically distribute vouchers to families on Universal Credit, while others are accepting applications on a discretionary basis from anyone who believes they may require assistance, regardless of any benefits they may or may not be receiving.

Consequently, the exact amount you could receive depends on your location, so it's advisable to contact your local council directly about the Household Support Fund. Wakefield Council will be issuing a £75 voucher to families with at least one child on July 18, after already distributing vouchers to various other eligible groups in June, reports The Express.

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The council is inviting applications for this discretionary fund, meaning there are no minimum requirements and the council can approve anyone it considers in need of the money. Coventry City Council has announced its version of the Household Support Fund, which will be open for applications from Tuesday, April 30 until September 30, 2024.

The statement reads: "Households who find themselves in financial difficulty can apply for a range of support; this includes households who have previously been ineligible following receipt of a Cost of Living Payment."

For those struggling with gas, electricity or water bills, the council is offering £140 for families (or £120 for childless couples or single individuals), which can be requested up to three times from April to September, amounting to a potential total of £420.

Additionally, there's a £25 shopping voucher on offer, as well as clothing and bedding assistance, which could reach up to £95 per adult and £60 per child, although there's a household cap of £400. Moreover, a toiletries voucher worth up to £20 is also available. In sum, that's up to £895 in cash and vouchers that could be accessed by those in need of financial aid this summer.