STRUGGLING families can now apply for financial support worth up to £400 to spend on energy bills and food.
The cash comes through the government’s Household Support Fund.
The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
And Doncaster residents can apply for payments worth up to £400 to help with their energy and food costs.
Am I eligible?
The scheme is open to households living in Doncaster who receive any of the following:
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- Housing Benefit
- Local Council Tax Reduction
- Universal Credit which includes the housing element, or
- Means-tested free school meals
The council has said that almost 29,000 vulnerable households in Doncaster on the lowest incomes, including pensioners, have already been identified as eligible for this direct financial support from the fund.
How much you get depends on factors such as who you live with.
All households who receive any of the support above are eligible for a payment of £100 towards energy bills.
Households with children are also eligible for an additional payment towards food up to £300.
The payment towards food can be:
- £100 for households with one dependent child
- £200 for households with two dependent children
- £300 for households with three or more dependent children
The City of Doncaster Council has urged eligible people to complete their application now to receive a payment towards energy bills on December 15 – just ahead of Christmas.
But if you received a payment under the previous Household Support Fund and the council has been able to verify that you still meet the criteria, you will get these payments automatically and don’t need to apply.
How to apply
You can claim Household Support Fund online, by filling out the application form on the council’s website.
If you apply, you will need to provide:
- Your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number
- Your phone number and email address
- Details of a partner if you have one and details of your dependant children
- Your bank account details – sort code, account number and name of the account holder
Once you submit your application, the council will decide if you are eligible for the Household Support Fund.
The City of Doncaster Council says they aim to make a decision on applications within five working days.
What if I don’t live in Doncaster?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared among all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits, you will likely be eligible for help.
The amount you receive depends on where you live.
For example, households in Surrey can apply for shopping vouchers worth up to £300 to spend in supermarkets such as Aldi, Asda and Tesco – with applications opening on December 2.
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And Islington pensioners could also be eligible for a £200 cash boost to help cover costs this winter.
You can find your local council by visiting the government website and entering your postcode.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.