Eligible households in one part of England could receive a one-off payment of up to £225 to help with essential costs before the end of January 2026. The Tandridge Winter Support Scheme has been launched by Tandridge District Council to provide direct financial aid to residents on low incomes who are struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Scheme Details and Eligibility Criteria
The council has allocated a total of £150,000 from its own resources to fund the scheme, meaning it is separate from the central government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund. This local initiative is designed to offer rapid, targeted support.
To qualify for the grant, the applicant must be aged 16 or over and live within the Tandridge district. Crucially, they must be in proven financial difficulty and finding it hard to meet the costs of essential items such as food, domestic fuel, or energy bills for themselves or their dependents.
The level of support varies depending on household composition: households with children aged 18 or under will receive £225, while households without children will be granted a £125 payment.
How to Apply for the Support Grant
Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the entire £150,000 fund has been allocated. Residents can apply on their own behalf or on behalf of someone else in need.
The primary method is via an online application form. Applicants will need to submit supporting evidence, which includes three recent bank statements showing all transactions. The council has stated that receiving other forms of support this winter, such as from the Household Support Fund, does not disqualify applicants.
For those without internet access, the council can be contacted by telephone on 01883 772000. Successful applicants will have the payment made directly into their nominated bank account via BACS transfer.
Payment Timeline and Important Notes
The council has confirmed that successful applicants will receive their one-off payment either at the end of January 2026 or at the end of February 2026. However, processing times may be extended if the council needs to conduct further checks or if an applicant has not supplied the required bank statements.
This scheme represents a direct intervention by a local authority to mitigate the impact of high living costs on its most vulnerable residents during the winter months. Residents are encouraged to apply promptly due to the finite nature of the fund.
