A staggering £65.2 million in cost of living payments is still sitting unclaimed, according to newly revealed data. This support, part of the UK Government’s Household Support Fund, was designed to help struggling households manage soaring bills—but with the March 31, 2025 deadline looming, thousands could miss out.
Recent figures show that over £20 million of that unclaimed amount is available from just 10 councils across England. If you haven’t checked whether you’re eligible, now is the time to act. This article breaks down what’s available, how to apply, and why it’s essential to check with your local council before funds run dry.
What Is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced to help households facing hardship due to inflation, rising utility bills, and food costs. For this round, the UK government has extended the fund by another year with an additional £421 million allocated to local authorities.
Each local council receives a portion of the fund and sets its own eligibility rules and application process. Some councils use their share to cover energy and water bills, while others provide vouchers, food support, or one-off cash grants.
The goal is to alleviate pressure on vulnerable individuals and families, especially during winter and the early part of 2025, when heating and utility expenses have been at their peak.
Why £65 Million Remains Unclaimed
Despite the wide availability of support, many households have not applied, either because they aren’t aware of the fund or assume they aren’t eligible. According to Creditspring, the financial service that issued the FOI request revealing this data, millions of pounds remain untouched, even as families continue to struggle.
Creditspring’s CEO, Neil Kadagathur, stated, “Schemes such as the Household Support Fund can provide a lifeline for those struggling to afford rising bills, but with millions left unclaimed, it’s clear that vulnerable people are missing out on much-needed support.”
Part of the problem is that each council operates differently, which creates confusion around eligibility and how to apply. But one thing is clear—if you’re experiencing financial hardship, it’s worth checking your local authority’s website or contacting them directly.
Read Also: Universal Credit and PIP Overhauls for 2025, DWP Announces Major Updates and Eligibility Criteria
What Kind of Support Is Available?
The types of support offered vary widely depending on your local council. Some examples include:
- Blackpool Council: Up to £300 available for energy and water support.
- Manchester City Council: Offering up to £200 to qualifying households.
- Other councils: Some provide food vouchers, emergency cash payments, or school meal subsidies.
Even if you’ve received support in the past, you might still qualify for additional help under this round.
How to Check If You Qualify
To find out whether you’re eligible, follow these steps:
- Identify your local council: Use the postcode checker on the official government website to determine your local authority.
- Visit your council’s website: Search for Household Support Fund or cost of living support to locate the specific application page.
- Review eligibility criteria: Each council may have different requirements. Common criteria include:
- Low income or on benefits
- Facing a recent loss of income
- High utility or rent arrears
- Medical or disability-related expenses
- Submit an application: You may need to provide:
- Proof of income or benefits
- Recent utility bills
- Bank statements
- ID and residency proof
- Apply before 31 March 2025: Once the deadline passes, unclaimed funds will no longer be available.
Why You Should Apply Now
With energy bills expected to rise by £111 and water bills increasing by £123 from April, many households are bracing for even more financial pressure. At the same time, council tax payments are set to rise in many areas, making the support offered through HSF more critical than ever.
Additionally, the Household Support Fund is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning once your council’s portion runs out, you won’t be able to receive assistance—even if you qualify.
If you wait until the final week of March, you may find that funding has already dried up in your area.
Extra Help Through Benefits Finder Tools
Creditspring has also introduced a Benefits Finder tool that helps users uncover support they might not even know they’re eligible for. Since its launch in 2023, the tool has uncovered £1.9 billion in additional benefits, identifying an average of £973 per person per month in unclaimed financial assistance.
These tools can be helpful if you feel overwhelmed by navigating council websites or multiple benefit systems.
Final Reminder
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, buy food, or manage rent this month—don’t assume you’re alone and certainly don’t assume you’re not eligible for help. With £65 million still available across England and just weeks left to apply, you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds in financial assistance.
Check your local council’s website, fill out the necessary forms, and make your claim before March 31, 2025.
MUST READ: UK Households to Get £500 Cost of Living Support – Who Qualifies?
FAQs
What is the Household Support Fund?
It’s a government-funded initiative distributed through local councils to help low-income and vulnerable households manage living costs, such as food and utility bills.
How much support can I get from the fund?
It varies. Some councils offer up to £300, others up to £200, depending on your location and financial situation.
Do I need to be on benefits to qualify?
Not always. While some councils prioritize benefit recipients, others consider income levels, arrears, or unexpected financial hardship.
Where can I apply?
Visit your local council’s website. Use a postcode checker to find your authority and look for the Household Support Fund section.
Is the payment automatic?
No. You must apply through your local authority. The support is not issued automatically.
What’s the deadline to claim?
March 31, 2025. However, funds may run out earlier depending on demand and availability.
Can I apply if I’ve already received support earlier this year?
Yes, some councils allow multiple applications per household or for different types of support—check your local rules.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
