£300 Cost of Living Boost for DWP Claimants – Are You on the List?

In Britain, ever-rising inflation, a surge in energy bills and a rising cost of living have weakened the financial situation of millions of families. In such a situation, the government has once again tried to provide some relief to the people by extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) for another year. Under this fund, one-time financial assistance ranging from £100 to £300 is being given to those families living in the city of Doncaster, especially those families who come under four special benefit schemes.

This assistance will be given between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 and its purpose is to help the needy to meet food and energy bills and other basic necessities.

The government allocated £742 million—Doncaster also got a share

This time the British government has allocated a fund of £742 million for the Household Support Fund, which has been distributed to the local administrations of the whole of England—i.e., local councils—according to their population and need.

Doncaster City Council receives a set amount from this fund to help eligible residents in its area. The fund is distributed so that it reaches those who are genuinely in need and can provide some relief in their living.

Who is eligible for this scheme? – Scope of four special benefit schemes

If you live in Doncaster and are receiving benefits under one or more of the four schemes below, you may be eligible for this assistance:

• Housing Benefit—people who are receiving housing assistance from the government to pay for their housing.
• Local Council Tax Reduction—families who are exempt from council tax.
• Universal Credit (with housing element)—those whose Universal Credit covers housing expenses.
• Means-tested Free School Meals—those whose children are receiving income-based free school meals.

Being eligible for these benefits is the basis for this scheme. If you fall into one of these categories, you may be able to get assistance.

2025 UK Minimum Wage for Younger Workers Important Facts You Should Know

Financial assistance for food—amount depends on the number of children

Under this scheme, eligible families will be provided a lump sum amount as food assistance. This amount has been determined according to the number of dependent children present in the family.

The amount has been distributed as follows:

• One child: £100
• Two children: £200
• Three or more children: £300

This payment will be given to families who are receiving Child Benefit, that is, children who are considered “dependent.” The purpose of this assistance is that parents can provide necessary nutrition and food to their children.

Separate assistance of £100 will be given for energy bills

Apart from food, energy bills have also become a big concern in today’s time. Whether it is electricity, gas or heating needs, every family is affected by this. Keeping this in mind, Doncaster Council has decided to provide an additional support of £100 to eligible families.

Importantly, this payment will also be available to families who do not have children, provided they fall under any of the four eligible schemes. This makes it clear that the scheme is trying to cover everyone who needs it.

Automatic payment vs. new application—know what you need to do

Many people are confused about whether they will have to apply again or not. Doncaster City Council has given complete clarity in this regard:

1. Old beneficiaries who are still eligible:

People who have received support under the previous Household Support Fund and whose eligibility is still intact do not need to apply again. They will be sent the payment directly to the same bank account as before.

2. Old beneficiaries whose eligibility can no longer be verified:

Such people will have to apply again. If you think you are still eligible, it is important to reapply.

3. New beneficiaries:

If you have never received benefits under the scheme before but are now eligible, you will need to apply. The application process is simple and there is an online form available on the council website.

Possible payment dates—when will you receive the money?

If you are eligible and apply on time—by July 2025—you may receive a payment on the following dates:

• Food support: around 15 July 2025
• Energy support: around 15 December 2025

If you apply after 15 July 2025, the status and date of your payment will be updated on the Doncaster Council website from time to time.

DWP Confirms £450 Cost of Living Payment For June 2025

Support schemes in other areas of the UK—how to find out?

Local councils in other cities and towns in the UK are also providing living assistance to their citizens. The amount of assistance and eligibility criteria may vary from council to council. Therefore, it is important that you find out which council you fall under.

For this, you can use the postcode checking tool provided by the government, which will let you know which is your local administrative unit and what schemes are running there.

Conclusion: Take the right steps on time to get relief in living

Today, when everything is getting expensive, the relief schemes provided by the government and local councils are no less than a lifesaver. Schemes like the Household Support Fund not only provide financial assistance but also assure the needy that they are not alone.

But this help is effective only when This will happen when people have full information about it and they can apply correctly in time. While old beneficiaries can take advantage of automatic payment, newly eligible people should apply immediately.

FAQs

Rick Adams