Families in England handed over £2,665 in cost of living payments in October | Personal Finance

Families across England are being offered a collective £2,665 in cost of living payments, with up to £500 per family depending on where you live.

The money is available to a number of people and the government recently encouraged state pensioners who have just missed their winter fuel payment to claim money from the Household Support Fund where they live.

The scheme sees the DWP send money to local councils based on population size and deprivation statistics, who then have the power to issue the funds as they see fit, and has been renewed for a further year.

Each local authority area sets its own rules about how to be eligible for cash payments: some look at eligibility for Universal Credit, while others only invite those who feel they are struggling to apply.

The government said of the fund: “More than a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to increase uptake of Pension Credit has already seen a 152% increase in applications. Many others will also benefit from the Warm Home from £150 Discount to help with energy bills over the winter, while our Families Support Fund extension will help with the costs of food, heating and bills.”

These are currently the councils known to offer support and how much:

Blackpool – £300

Rutland – £200

Herefordshire – £500

Sunderland – £220

Bracknell Forest – £315

Rotherham – £250

Brent – £500

Wiltshire – £200

Cambridgeshire – £110

Middlesbrough – £70

To apply for the money, you must contact your local council to find out the local eligibility criteria.

Many will only offer the money until the end of August, when the scheme will close.

Other local authorities may also offer cash or food vouchers, so it’s important to contact your local council to find out.

Gov.uk says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as the ‘Family Support Fund’. This can help if you are struggling to pay things like: energy and water bills, food , essential items.”

“Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.”

“The funding is intended for anyone who is vulnerable or unable to pay for essential goods. You don’t need to be on benefits to get help from your local council.”