£600 Cost of Living Support Now Available for UK Households Not on Benefits – Who Qualifies and How to Apply

In a new round of support aimed at easing the pressures of rising living expenses, the UK government has once again extended the Household Support Fund (HSF), offering targeted financial help to low-income households—including those not receiving traditional benefits.

Running from April 2025 to March 2026, this extension of the HSF allows local councils to distribute funds directly to those who are most in need. The amount of support available varies by council, with some households able to access up to £600 in aid, depending on their family circumstances, financial hardship, and where they live.

What makes this scheme particularly significant is that you do not need to be on Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits to receive this help. This opens the door to thousands of struggling households who may otherwise have been excluded from direct government financial relief.

Overview

Category	Details
Program Name	Household Support Fund (HSF)
Active Dates	April 2025 – March 2026
Eligible Groups	Low-income households, even if not on DWP benefits
Sample Amount in Richmond	Up to £600
Sample Amount in Camden	Up to £500
Use of Funds	Food, utilities, clothing, school items, emergencies
Application Requirement	Yes – through your local council
Age Requirement	18 and over
Residency Requirement	Lived in borough at least six weeks
Source	Click Here

Key Locations Offering £600 or More

Local authorities play a central role in distributing these funds, and each borough or council sets its own criteria, application process, and payment limits based on its allocation from the central government.

Richmond upon Thames

Residents of Richmond, London, are among those who can benefit from this latest round of HSF funding. Eligible households can apply for up to £600, which can be used to offset:

• Food and grocery costs
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
• Essential clothing and shoes
• Heating costs or small household appliances

Camden

In Camden, another London borough, the amount available per household can reach £500, depending on specific family circumstances and household income levels.

While the amounts may differ, the goal across councils remains the same: to provide non-benefit-receiving households with urgent and flexible financial help that can be used for daily living expenses.

What Can the £600 Payment Be Used For?

One of the most useful aspects of the HSF is its flexibility. It is not restricted to a narrow set of uses. Instead, it is designed to meet a variety of urgent financial needs. Successful applicants can receive vouchers, prepaid cards, or bank transfers, depending on the council’s disbursement system.

Common permitted uses include –

• Paying overdue utility bills (gas, electric, water)
• Purchasing school uniforms or children’s supplies
• Buying food or groceries
• Covering essential clothing or winter wear
• Purchasing heating appliances or fuel

Councils may also offer support in the form of vouchers for supermarkets or utility companies, or arrange for the direct supply of essentials like food boxes or hygiene kits.

Sample Support by Council Area

Council Area	Support Amount	Use of Funds	Eligibility Highlights
Richmond upon Thames	Up to £600	Food, energy bills, clothing, essential items	Must live in the borough for 6+ weeks, aged 18+
Camden	Up to £500	General household support for urgent needs	Financial proof required, not on DWP benefits
Other UK Councils	Varies (approx. £250–£600)	Depends on council resources and criteria	Residency, income evidence, and urgent need apply

How to Apply

Applying for Household Support Fund assistance is relatively simple but differs from council to council. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Visit your local council’s official website

You can search your borough on the GOV.UK site to get redirected.

2. Fill out an application form

Most councils offer an online form where you input details such as your household size, income, expenses, and the support you’re requesting.

3. Upload supporting documents

These usually include:

• A copy of a recent bank statement
• Proof of address (such as a utility bill)
• ID verification (e.g., passport, driving licence)

4. Wait for a decision

Applications are typically reviewed within 2–3 weeks. Some councils fast-track cases deemed as emergencies.

1. Receive payment or voucher
   If approved, the support may be issued as a cash deposit, prepaid card, or voucher, depending on your council’s system.

Final Thoughts

With the cost of living continuing to climb and more families struggling to make ends meet, the Household Support Fund offers a lifeline to those in financial difficulty—especially those who don’t receive standard benefits.

From Richmond to Camden and beyond, local councils across the UK are stepping in to make sure that help reaches everyone who needs it—not just those on government benefits. If you meet the residency and financial need criteria, don’t hesitate to apply. The support is there for you.

FAQs