Calderdale Council Distributes £85 Cost of Living Support Payments
Households in West Yorkshire are receiving direct financial assistance of up to £85 as part of a targeted cost of living support scheme. The payments, administered by Calderdale Council, are being issued to eligible residents before the end of March, providing crucial relief during the ongoing economic pressures.
Eligibility and Payment Details
The support is specifically aimed at households in receipt of both Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit. Calderdale Council has confirmed the following payment structure:
- Households with children will receive a single payment of £85.
- Households with a known disability will also receive £85.
- Single individuals or couples without children or a disability will receive a reduced payment of £40.
Important to note: Households that qualify under both the 'children' and 'disability' criteria will only receive one payment of £85, not a double award. The council has advised recipients to allow up to seven working days for the funds to arrive in their bank accounts after registration.
Funding Source and Wider Context
This initiative is funded through the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Household Support Fund. Calderdale Council stated, "We have received funds from the Department for Work and Pensions to support households in hardship. Funds cover the period from April 2025 to March 2026."
The scheme is part of a broader national effort, with similar support available in other regions including towns in the Midlands like Malvern, Worcester, and Bromsgrove. However, eligibility criteria can vary significantly by local authority.
Additional Support and Energy Help
Alongside these direct payments, separate energy support is available for qualifying households. Families with children under 18, or young adults up to 21 in full-time education, could be eligible for up to £500 in energy help or vouchers. All other households without children may access up to £300 worth of energy support.
A wide range of supplementary support services is also accessible, including:
- Debt Management and Domestic Abuse Support
- Education and School Support programmes
- Local Welfare Provision and Disability Support
- Specialist support for Older Adults and Employment advice
- Access to Food Banks and Immigration/Refugee support services
Application Process and Crucial Requirements
Eligible households in Calderdale must register to receive their payment. The council has emphasised that applicants must provide the required evidence, with full details available on the local authority's official website. Failure to submit the necessary documentation will result in the cancellation of the application.
Furthermore, to access certain support strands, individuals must be engaged with specific advice services. This includes accessing support from Mental Health/Counselling services, Citizens Advice, Age UK, or national debt advice organisations like StepChange.
Alternative pathways for support include contacting local Community Centres, Charities, GP Social Prescribing Teams, or the Worcestershire County Council Adult Front Door Team, depending on the individual's location and circumstances.
