Families on Universal Credit have just DAYS to get up to £1,000 in free cost of living cash payments

STRUGGLING households have just days left to apply for extra cost of living payments worth up to £1,000.

The cash is part of the Household Support Fund, which is a £742million fund distributed by councils in England.

Local authorities have until March 31, 2026, to allocate their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria.

Some councils have already starting distributing their share through cash bank transfers and vouchers while some are yet to.

Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship and who are struggling to afford essentials can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000.

Those on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don’t need to be.

However, the city is closing applications at 12 noon on June 12 so you’ll need to move quickly.

Applications may also close early if the funds have been used up.

You’ll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts.

You also need to tell what you’ve done to improve your financial situation and why you need help.

The exact amount you receive depends on household size -the maximum amount is for six or more of £800.

Whereas one person gets £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people 600, and five people £700.

Households deemed to be in the highest level of need can be awarded a further £200 taking total payments up to £1,000.

To apply, visit the portsmouth.gov.uk website.

Can I get help if I live outside Portsmouth?

Most likely, yes. However, it will depend on your circumstances and where you live.

For example, the City of Doncaster Council is giving out up to £300 payments to families on Universal Credit.

While households in Middlesbrough can get vouchers worth up to £120.

The Household Support Fund was set up to help households cover essentials such as energy or water bills and food costs.

But, each council can set its own eligibility criteria meaning whether you qualify for help is a postcode lottery.

That said, funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or struggling to pay for essentials.

So, if you are financially hard-up or on benefits, it is likely you will be able to get help.

It’s worth bearing in mind, any help you receive via the Household Support Fund won’t affect your benefit payments.

The type of help on offer varies from supermarket vouchers to direct cash payments into your bank account.

Some councils are allocating their share of the fund to community groups and charities who you have to get in touch with.

If you’re on benefits, have limited savings, or are struggling to cover food and energy bills, it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible for help.

Contact your local council and see if you have to apply or whether support is being distributed automatically.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the government’s council locator tool – www.gov.uk/find-local-council.