Published date:
The Government has announced an additional six months of funding for the Household Support Fund (HSF) to assist residents in Yorkshire with essential living costs.
The Household Support Fund was set up by the government to help people struggling with the increase in living costs and feeling the financial pressure of paying their bills.
Below is a breakdown of what’s available in each local authority area:
City of York Council
From October 2024, residents living in York will be able to access HSF through two routes:
- Route 1: Invite - payment to bank account
Residents of working age who receive Council Tax Support will be invited to apply for a payment of £115. The payment will be directly paid into their bank account. Eligible residents will receive a letter in November with instructions on how to register to receive their payment.
- Route 2: Discretionary scheme applications
Any resident who requires assistance with food, energy or water bills and do not receive Council Tax Support or is over the pension age will be able to apply.
All applications will be reviewed using a means tested assessment, requiring you to provide some financial information. The discretionary scheme is open to all residents living in York – over 16 years old, who are struggling to meet their living costs or other essential costs, and who is not receiving Council Tax Support or is over the pension age.
The scheme will consider the needs of various households including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and people living with disabilities. You can check your eligibility on the link below before applying.
For more information, please visit the City of York Council website
Leeds City Council
All households living in Leeds in receipt of Council Tax Support will receive a £40 payment. In addition, some pensioners who are eligible for Council Tax Support but not 2024 – 2025 Winter Fuel Payment will also receive £150. The payments will be paid directly to eligible households in January.
Additional funding will also be available to residents who need Emergency support with the costs of food, energy, or household items. Residents can contact the Local Welfare Support Scheme on 0113 376 0330. Further information is available here:- https://www.leeds.gov.uk/benefits/help-with-food-and-bills
For more information, please visit the Leeds City Council website
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
From October, over £2 million will be available for the HSF in East Riding of Yorkshire. Eligible households (including low-income households, pensioners without Pension Credit, and vulnerable adults supported by Adult Social Care) will automatically receive a payment of £200. All payments will be made by the end of December. Additional discretionary support is available upon application.
For more information, please visit the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website
If you are not eligible for HSF, you can apply for one off support through the emergency assistance scheme. Various criteria apply. To find out more, visit the East Riding of Yorkshire Council
North Yorkshire Council
The next phase of HSF phase will be released from 08 January 2025. Please check the following page after 08 January to find out more.