In response to the ongoing financial strain many households are facing, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a new round of summer cost-of-living payments. These payments will be distributed through the extended Household Support Fund, aiming to provide vital financial relief to thousands of individuals and families across the nation.
The program primarily targets low-income families, pensioners, disabled individuals, and care leavers. According to Cambridge News, the department hopes to alleviate some of the financial burdens that these vulnerable groups are facing.
New UK Cost of Living Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the payments reach those who need them most, the DWP has outlined specific eligibility criteria. The key categories for eligibility include:
- Individuals with limited work capability
- People earning below the thresholds for free school meals and prescriptions
- Recipients of the Guarantee Credit component
- Individuals receiving the Savings Credit component
- Those on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- People who only receive Housing Benefits without other forms of income support
How Much is the Payment Amount?
While the DWP provides general guidelines for the Household Support Fund, local authorities have the discretion to determine how the funds will be distributed and the amount of payment recipients will receive. This flexibility allows local authorities to tailor the support to meet the needs of their specific communities. The local authorities will:
- Decide the best way to allocate their funds to support those in need
- Use DWP data to identify eligible individuals and families, with input from professionals such as social workers, health visitors, and housing support officers
Who Will Get This Benefit?
The Household Support Fund is designed to assist a diverse group of low-income individuals, not just those receiving traditional benefits. It aims to help families with children of all ages, ensuring they have access to essentials like food and clothing.
The program also supports older individuals with fixed incomes, helping them manage living expenses. Additionally, unpaid carers who provide support to family members without financial compensation will receive assistance.
Special focus will be given to care leavers, who often face unique challenges when living independently. Disabled individuals, who may have higher medical equipment costs or increased expenses for water and transport, are also encouraged to apply. The fund extends support to both single-person households and larger families who are struggling financially.
By extending the Household Support Fund through the summer until September, the government seeks to provide a much-needed cushion to help vulnerable groups navigate the cost of living crisis.
