Families across the UK are being urged to check their eligibility for free financial support worth £120, delivered just in time for the Christmas period.
How the Household Support Fund Works
The money is being distributed through the Household Support Fund, a government scheme administered by local councils. Each authority decides exactly what help to offer and determines eligibility criteria for residents in their area.
Some councils are choosing to provide direct cash payments, while others, like Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, are distributing vouchers that can be exchanged for cash at PayPoint outlets.
Stockton-on-Tees Council's Voucher Scheme
In a significant rollout, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is automatically sending £120 worth of vouchers to all households receiving Council Tax Reduction.
The distribution is happening in two phases: approximately 10,000 working age households will receive two £60 vouchers during the last two weeks of November. Then, in the first two weeks of January, around 6,000 pensioner households will receive their two £60 vouchers.
Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport, emphasised: "The Household Support Fund has been vital for families around our Borough for a number of years now, so we're delighted to again offer vouchers for thousands of eligible households this winter."
Support Available Beyond Council Tax Reduction
Important additional support exists for residents who don't receive Council Tax Reduction. One-off payments of £120 are available for those on low incomes who pay energy bills but don't qualify for the council tax scheme.
Councillor Rowling added: "Don't forget if you receive Council Tax Reduction then there's nothing you need to do, with vouchers sent automatically. And of course, if you do not receive Council Tax Reduction then you may still be eligible for support by applying for a discretionary payment."
Residents can check their eligibility through their local council's Household Support Fund webpage or visit dedicated support hubs for comprehensive advice on available benefits and assistance.
Support Variations Across Different Councils
The scheme varies significantly between local authorities, highlighting the importance of checking what your specific council offers.
City of York Council is distributing one-off £100 payments to eligible residents receiving help with their council tax bills. Nearly 5,000 York residents qualify, with the council having already sent application letters containing unique reference numbers.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council is providing £150 to single person households and £200 for couples or families. Eligibility depends on receiving certain benefits and having household income below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples and families, including single parent households.
All UK households are encouraged to contact their local council directly to discover what support might be available to them through the Household Support Fund during this expensive winter period.
