The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on what cost of living payments are available for households. The announcement puts an end to speculation about additional support payments similar to those issued between 2022 and 2024.
The DWP officially confirmed no further cost of living payments will be introduced under the Labour Government. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on what cost of living payments are available for households.
The announcement puts an end to speculation about additional support payments similar to those issued between 2022 and 2024. The DWP officially confirmed no further cost of living payments will be introduced under the Labour Government.
Between 2022 and 2024, low-income households received a series of one-off payments worth £326, £324, £301, £300 and £299 to help with soaring energy bills and record inflation.
Disabled households received two payments worth £150, while pensioner households were entitled to payments of either £150 or £300 on top of Winter Fuel Payments. Despite online rumours, the DWP stated clearly: “DWP is not planning to make any more Cost of Living Payments.”
However, struggling households can still access financial support through the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) scheme.
Cost of Living with Updated Criteria
First launched in 2021, the HSF has been extended by the Labour Government until March 2026 with an additional £742 million of funding. The scheme provides local councils with money to support vulnerable residents in their areas.
Each council determines how to distribute this support, which can range from direct cash payments to supermarket vouchers. Help available varies by location, creating what some describe as a postcode lottery for assistance.
Councils typically detail available support and eligibility criteria on their websites, often under dedicated cost of living sections.
Application processes differ between councils, with some accepting online applications while others require telephone applications. Some councils proactively contact eligible residents directly.
300 Cost of Living Payment May 2025
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool Council (BCP) is among the local authorities offering substantial support through the HSF. The council is providing financial aid worth up to £300 to households unable to meet basic costs.
This represents the seventh round of HSF grants for the region, funded by the DWP. Eligible families can receive household grants for essential bills and food support.
The scheme offers grant vouchers worth £150 to qualifying residents in two separate rounds over the funding period. Applications must be submitted during specific windows throughout the year.
The initiative aims to provide low-income households with vital short-term financial support while also offering practical advice on money management and energy efficiency.
BCP Council’s HSF also provides a school holiday food voucher scheme for families with children. Eligible families could receive £15 for every child during the May half-term holidays.
The fund supports heat-saving upgrades including loft or cavity wall insulation and other energy-saving measures to reduce bills.
Households in Medway struggling to meet the cost of living can claim a share of £4million. The money is shared out to local authorities to allocate, with Medway having £3,987,524 for the coming financial year.
Torbay Council has reopened their Household Support Fund scheme for residents living in the area and is giving away one-off payments of £100. This free payment can be used towards fuel, water, or food costs.
However, not everyone is eligible for the help. Households living in Torbay can receive it if they claim the following DWP benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
While the DWP has ended its direct cost of living payments, the extended HSF ensures vulnerable households can still access vital support until spring 2026.
Residents should check their local council websites for specific eligibility criteria and application windows. Each council will also have a different application process for the scheme.
FAQs
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government scheme designed to help low-income and vulnerable households with essential costs, such as food, heating, and bills. It is distributed through local councils and offers support in the form of grants, vouchers, and other financial assistance.
How do I apply for the Household Support Fund?
You can apply for the Household Support Fund through your local council. Each council has its own application process, which could include online or telephone applications. Some councils may also contact eligible households directly.
Is the Household Support Fund available to everyone?
No, the Household Support Fund is only available to households that meet specific eligibility criteria. This typically includes low-income families, pensioners, and other vulnerable groups. Check your local council’s website for more information on the exact requirements.
How much financial support can I receive from the Household Support Fund?
The amount of support varies by location and council. For example, some areas may offer grants of up to £300, while others provide vouchers for food or help with energy bills. Be sure to check your local council’s website for specific details.
Can I still get help if the government has stopped the cost of living payments?
Yes, while the government has ended direct cost of living payments, you can still access support through the Household Support Fund. This scheme is designed to help vulnerable households with everyday expenses until at least 2026.
COST OF LIVING PAYMENTS SHOULD BE REINSTATED SOON AS.
Right Gareth
Is this cost off living payment service or is it another scam
This government is lies to much I use to get living cost payment but now nothing even court decision to pay me back date payment 6768.08 pounds but they r not paying me my full amount they paying me 3380 pounds and what about the rest in thems pocket they give nothing saying to much in paper’s news and on media we doing this and that doing nothing they said about mobility car grants but I get nothing all full off lies don’t trust them
I don’t know how I take my money back from this government which they r not paying me back if someone contact me then I can tell them full story what they saying and what they doing and I can’t believe i am ill and on disability can’t get oppintment for doctors get oppintment online some people r ill can’t do that ring surgery oh doctor gono ring u all lies I am sorry but this government is fail to run the country I need my money back which court decided for me and with interest now because I suffered thank
So basically – the disabled, vulnerable and elderly can now rot, whilst we give immigrant MEN better treatment (I can’t get a dentist btw) and more money and we send how much to other countries and NATO? We don’t need more people clogging the overworked NHS or taking from a system that neither they nor their ancestors paid into 😡
I used to be proud to be British, now we r the nation that bends over and takes it up the chutney!
YES I totally agree with you. Some people take the proverbial P*** out of our country. Let’s hope the goverment stand up and DO SOMETHING, but I doubt it
I am on disability and moved to universal credit they have paid me less money as they have paid me low income when I was on high rate and done nothing lied about someone was going to ring me by 6 on Fri no one rang and left me with low amount of money they have told us to move over and they have no clue what there doing.
A lying,uncaring,2 faced government can’t call them Labour as the true Labour Party of old would be ashamed of this hypothetical lying lot
And starter is an out and out TRAITER
CARES MORE FOR CRIMINALS ENTERING THE COUNTRY DAILY THAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT TO KEEP HIM AND HIS ILK SAFE AND SOUND,
A VET BEING MADE HOMELESS TO ALLOW AN IMMIGRANT SOMEWHERE TO LIVE.
Stop blaming everything on immigration into this country it’s the oldest trick in the book by governments to divert from there own incompetence and out right corruption we let billions in tax to big corporations go straight into the multi national companies with not making them pay corporation tax 10s of billions then take money of them just one example time the working class got clued up instead of blaming immigration
The whole government is a scam they are there to boost their income sod the people I have served my country though the army that’s a long story buy I’m not going to tell it here got ill I’m now totally disabled but can I get help that I need no I can get carer’s but they want to give me personal care don’t need that just a hand at times to fill in forms ect as my hands shake and I’m going deaf even this is hard a man with 2 degrees not good is it and I have to live with that my carer’s are ment to do one and a half hours a day but can’t go to my local shops to buy anything for me I appreciate the cash thing so I do have cash here or a card that can only take cash out of the wall it does nothing else got that to protect myself spent nearly a thousand pounds on my electric chair and when people see that they think I’m brain dead and talk to people around me sorry but my brain still works it’s just the body that doesn’t I can still cook clean and bath .myself so as I see it the whole thing iS a scam
I think it is West of time reading this about cost living payment as grovment don’t want to pay it they just greedy bastards
Apply on line where lost me