Households in England handed £2,665 cost of living payments in August

Households across England are being offered a collective £2,665 of cost of living payments, with up to £500 per household depending on where you live.

Although the Cost Of Living scheme has been officially wound down, the Household Support Fund is still going strong, offering cash payments and food or toiletries vouchers to single people and families in various parts of England.

The scheme sees the DWP send money to local councils based on population size and deprivation statistics, who then have the discretion to issue the funds as they see fit.

Each local authority area sets its own devolved rules for how to be eligible for the cash payments: some look at Universal Credit eligibility while others just invite who feels they’re anyone struggling to apply.

Currently, these are the councils known to be offering support and how much:

Blackpool - £300

Rutland - £200

Herefordshire - £500

Sunderland - £220

Bracknell Forest - £315

Rotherham - £250

Brent - £500

Wiltshire - £200

Cambridgeshire - £110

Middlesbrough - £70

To apply for the money, you must get in touch with your local council to find your local eligibility criteria.

Many will only be offering the money until the end of August, when the scheme closes.

Other local authorities may also be offering cash or food vouchers, so it’s important to contact your local council to find out.

Gov.uk says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills, food, essential items.

“Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.

“Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.”