Vital financial support is now available for households grappling with rising bills, as a new round of cost of living payments begins today. Residents in specific areas can apply for a £150 grant voucher, with the key condition being proof of financial hardship rather than receipt of benefits.
Applications Open for Local Household Support Fund
From today, Monday 8 December, families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can submit applications for a one-off £150 payment. This support comes from the national Household Support Fund (HSF), a pot of money distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to local councils.
The scheme is designed to offer flexibility, allowing councils to distribute funds to those in greatest need as they see fit. The application window for this particular grant will remain open until 30 January.
You do not need to be receiving any state benefits to qualify for this help. Instead, applicants must demonstrate to their local council that they are struggling to afford essential costs. This opens the scheme to a wider group of people who may be in work but still facing significant financial pressure.
High Demand and Processing Times Expected
Charities are advising residents to apply promptly and manage their expectations. Citizens Advice has issued guidance warning that due to high demand, it could take up to eight weeks for an application to be processed.
They also stress that receiving a grant is not guaranteed. "Receipt of a HSF grant is not guaranteed, and your application may be rejected due to a lack of available funds," a statement said. "We will make every effort to support as many eligible applications as possible, however funds are often limited compared to the volume of applications received."
Grant vouchers will be issued solely to the named applicant or a person they have officially nominated to collect on their behalf.
Support Available Across England
While this specific scheme targets the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, the Household Support Fund is a nationwide initiative. Every local authority in England administers its own version of the scheme, resulting in a postcode lottery of support with varying eligibility rules and payment amounts.
Examples of other support currently available include:
- Surrey County Council offers up to £300 in supermarket e-vouchers through its Everyday Essentials scheme.
- Nottingham City Council releases £100 worth of vouchers at the start of each month.
- Doncaster Council provides up to £300 in cost of living payments for households with children.
According to the UK government's website, the funding is "aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials." It confirms that existing benefits will not be affected if someone receives a HSF payment. The government advises residents to contact their own local council directly to find out what help is available in their area, as schemes can differ significantly.
