Millions of households across the United Kingdom could receive a vital £500 payment this month, administered through local councils as part of the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Household Support Fund.
Who is Eligible for the January Payment?
The scheme, active in January 2026, is designed to help residents struggling with soaring essential costs. Crucially, the support is not limited to those claiming benefits. Many working households whose incomes are being squeezed may also qualify for the one-off grant.
The funding is intended to assist with fundamental expenses such as food, energy bills for heating and electricity, and water costs.
Full List of Qualifying Households
Local authorities will distribute the DWP payment to eligible residents. The following groups are among those who may be in line for the £500 support:
- Individuals on a low income who are finding it hard to pay for essentials.
- Households experiencing sudden financial hardship, for example due to job loss or illness.
- Families with children, including those not currently receiving benefits.
- Pensioners living on a limited income.
- Disabled people or homes with someone who has a long-term health condition.
- Private renters or council tenants facing financial difficulty.
- Working households whose income no longer covers rapidly rising living costs.
How to Access the Household Support Fund
It is important to note that the £500 payment is not issued directly by the DWP. Instead, applicants must contact their local council to apply for support from the Household Support Fund. Each local authority manages its own application process and may have specific criteria, so residents are urged to check their council's website for precise details.
This initiative represents a critical lifeline for many as the cost of living crisis continues to put pressure on budgets nationwide. The broad eligibility criteria acknowledge that financial strain is affecting a wide cross-section of society, from pensioners to working families.
