Thousands of households across the UK are set to receive special financial support this December, with payments ranging from £70 to over £300 in some areas. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is distributing this crucial aid through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF), a scheme designed to help people with essential costs.
Middlesbrough Council's December Scheme
In a key development this month, Middlesbrough Council has opened applications for its allocation of the HSF. The council is operating a two-tier system offering different amounts based on a household's circumstances.
Households not currently receiving any means-tested benefits can apply for a £100 payment. To qualify, applicants must not be in receipt of Council Tax reduction, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Universal Credit, or Income-based Employment and Support Allowance. They must also have savings under £6,000 and an annual income below thresholds of £30,000 or £51,000, depending on whether they have children.
For families with children who are already on benefits, support is offered at £70 per child. A household with two eligible children would therefore receive £140. The children must meet the free school meals criteria. Applications for benefit-receiving households without children closed on November 25.
A Postcode Lottery of Support
The help available varies significantly depending on where you live, as each local authority in England and Wales decides how to use its annual DWP funding. While the overall Household Support Fund is open until spring 2026, individual councils set their own monthly deadlines and eligibility rules.
Other councils are offering different levels of support this winter:
- Doncaster Council provides up to £300 in cost of living payments for households with children.
- Surrey County Council is distributing supermarket e-vouchers worth up to £300 through its Everyday Essentials scheme.
- Nottingham City Council releases £100 vouchers at the start of each month.
Some authorities do not publicly specify individual payment amounts, while others use the funds to support initiatives like free school meals or food banks. The UK government's guidance states that funding is aimed at "anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials" and confirms that receiving a HSF payment does not affect existing benefits.
How to Claim Your Support
If you do not live in Middlesbrough, you should contact your own local council to inquire about support in your area. The government advises that you do not need to be on benefits to get help, and councils have the freedom to distribute funds directly, through charities, or via community groups. Some may limit applications to one per household per year.
With deadlines differing across the country, residents are urged to check their local authority's website or contact them directly to understand what financial help they may be entitled to during the ongoing cost of living challenges.
