UK households waking up to free £250 Cost of Living payments from today

UK households are waking up to £250 Cost of Living payments before Christmas. As part of the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Household Support Fund, households can get themselves £250 thanks to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The council stated: "Residents living in Rotherham can apply for the Council’s Energy Crisis Scheme from 18 October 2024. If you are concerned about increasing household bills, the Council’s Energy Crisis Support Scheme may be able to help with a payment of up to £250.

"Applicants must have no more than £150 a month left over after paying for all of their essential costs such as food, rent or mortgage and utility bills. The funding is not means tested and residents do not need to be claiming benefits in order to be eligible."

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The local authority went on to add: "If you are over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. If you get Pension Credit, you may also access other support such as Housing Benefit, Winter Fuel Payment, Support for Mortgage Interest and more.

"If you are over State Pension age and on a low income, you may be able to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95 (the qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances).

"If you feel that you may meet these criteria and have not recently made an application for Pension Credit we would encourage you to do so. You can check if you should be receiving Pension Credit by visiting the Government's web site at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by ringing 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)."

To qualify for the Energy Crisis Support Scheme, applicants will be asked to provide some basic information about their current financial situation, along with a recent bank statement where relevant, their most recent energy bill and estimated monthly expenditure and income. Applicants will also be given the opportunity to evidence how they have been financially affected by the energy and cost of living increase, which can be done through text or a document upload.