In an effort to support low-income households struggling with the rising cost of living, the UK government has announced a £90 financial assistance payment. This initiative is part of the broader Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been extended to run until March 2025.

The payment aims to help individuals and families cover essential expenses such as food, energy bills, and other necessities during financially challenging periods, including the February half-term.

Who Is Eligible for the £90 Support Payment?

To qualify for the £90 payment, recipients must be receiving one of the following means-tested benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit

Eligibility may vary depending on local councils, as they are responsible for distributing the funds. Some councils may provide the payment automatically, while others require an application.

For more details on benefit eligibility, visit the UK Government’s official Universal Credit

How to Claim the £90 Support Payment

The distribution of the £90 Cost of Living Payment is managed by local councils across the UK. Each council determines how the funds are allocated and whether additional applications are required.

Here’s how you can check and apply:

1. Visit your local council’s website
   • Use the UK Government’s official council finder tool to locate your council:
     https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
2. Check eligibility and application requirements
   • Some councils automatically distribute the payment to eligible residents.
   • Others require an application be sure to check deadlines and required documentation.
3. Apply (if necessary)
   • Applications, if required, are typically submitted online through the local council’s portal.
4. Receive the payment
   • If you qualify, the payment is made directly to your bank account or provided in the form of vouchers.

What Is the Household Support Fund?

The £90 Cost of Living Payment is part of the Household Support Fund, a government initiative designed to provide financial aid to struggling families. This fund has been extended until March 2025 to help ease the burden of increasing household expenses.

In addition to the £90 payment, the Household Support Fund may also offer:

• Supermarket vouchers for food and essential groceries
• Energy bill grants to help cover heating and electricity costs
• Additional cash payments for those in severe financial distress

Why Is This Payment Being Offered?

The UK government has launched several Cost of Living Support schemes to assist low-income families struggling with high energy bills, rising food costs, and other financial pressures. This £90 payment is one of many efforts aimed at providing immediate relief to vulnerable households.

This support follows other cost-of-living payments made in 2023 and 2024, including:

• £301, £300, and £299 payments for eligible low-income households
• Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150
• Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of up to £300

For more information on government Cost of Living Support schemes, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

How Can You Get More Financial Support?

If you are struggling financially, there are additional government support options available, including:

• Energy Bills Support Scheme – Help with energy costs
  https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills
• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) – Assistance for housing costs
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments
• Turn2Us – A UK charity that helps people access grants and benefits
  https://www.turn2us.org.uk

Conclusion

The £90 Cost of Living Payment is a crucial relief measure for low-income households, offering immediate financial support during tough times. However, eligibility and distribution depend on local councils, so it’s important to check your council’s website for application details.

If you qualify, ensure you apply before any deadlines to receive the support you’re entitled to. For further assistance, explore government benefits and charitable organizations that provide additional aid.