As living costs keep rising, many families are struggling to make ends meet. In response to this, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has introduced a fresh round of support to help low-income households. This help is part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The aim of this scheme is to give short-term financial help to families facing tough times. The support will continue until March 31, 2026, offering both financial aid and expert advice to help families stretch their income further.

£300 Cost of Living announced by UK Govt?

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government-backed programme that helps councils across the UK support people who are struggling with money. The BCP Council is now running the seventh round of this fund.

Local community and voluntary groups will work with the council to provide this support. Families in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole may receive financial help to pay for basic needs like food, electricity, and gas bills.

How Much Can You Get?

If your application is approved, you may get £150 in vouchers during two separate periods. This means that your household could receive up to £300 during the entire funding phase.

These vouchers are not loans and do not need to be paid back. They are given to help families who really need financial help right now.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Household Support Fund in the BCP area, you must:

• Live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole
• Be 16 years or older and not living with your parents or carers
• Be struggling to afford basic needs like food and bills
• Be able to show proof of ID, your address, and your household income (this could include bank statements and documents showing who in your home is working or studying)

When and Where to Apply?

Although the current application window is closed, a new one will open from 9am on Monday, May 12 and stay open until 4:30pm on Friday, July 4.

During this time, applications can be made through the local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can visit their website for full details and to apply online.

Why This Scheme Matters

Council leader Millie Earl said, “I’m pleased the HSF has been extended for a seventh round to support people with the cost of living.” She added that the fund offers not just money, but useful advice to help people make better financial decisions.

This support can make a big difference for families who are finding it hard to cope. Getting help with essentials like food and energy bills can free up money for other important needs like children’s school supplies or transport.

The Household Support Fund by BCP Council is a helpful scheme for families with low income who are affected by rising costs. With up to £300 in vouchers and expert advice available, this support can reduce stress and give families some relief in these challenging times. Make sure you’re ready to apply when the next window opens.

News Source: https://www.nationalworld.com/money/dwp-cost-of-living-payments-300-support-household-support-fund-5120225

£200 cost of living payments set to arrive in days

After the government announced the Household Support Fund was being extended in 2025, applications are set to reopen soon for hardship grants

Although the winter period which is often the most expensive time for energy bills has ended, households arriving the country will still be feeling the pinch of the cost of living. And for those struggling to pay for basic necessities, help is available as we head into the warmer months.

The government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) has been running since October 2021, when it was initially set up as a temporary measure to support vulnerable households with things like food and energy costs.

However the HSF, which is delivered via the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ), has been extended multiple times since then with different rounds of funding.

And the latest funding period began on April 1 this year, to run through to March 31, 2026.

The HSF supports households by issuing allocations of funding to local authorities around the country, when is then in turn passed on to households via various schemes.

One type of scheme deployed by councils are cost of living payments, which households can apply for if they are struggling with essential costs.

Among the local authorities offering cost of living payments is Birmingham City Council., which has called them hardship grants that are worth £200 for each household application.

Birmingham’s £200 scheme closed in March 31 in line with the previous round of HSF funding ending.

But the local authority has announced that applications for hardship grants are expected to open in June, meaning households only have to wait just over a week before we enter that money.

The council runs the scheme in partnership with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), and spokesperson for BVSC said: “Please be advised that enquiries will reopen in June 2025.

“If you are not currently on the waiting list, and it has now been 12 months since your household last received a grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once the scheme reopens in June 2025.”

The application scheme is open to all Birmingham residents, however in order to be eligible, applicants have to demonstrate they’re experiencing financial hardship and that they’ve not have received a previous payment in the past 12 months.

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