Free £90 Cost of Living Payment: As the cost of living continues to rise, many UK households are seeking financial relief. While the government has confirmed that there will be no new £90 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025, there are still several support schemes available to help ease financial burdens. This article provides an overview of the current support options, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Free £90 Cost of Living Payment
While there is no new £90 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025, various support schemes are available to assist UK households facing financial challenges. These include the Household Support Fund, energy bill grants, Council Tax Support, the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and free school meal vouchers. Residents are encouraged to explore these options and apply through their local councils and energy suppliers.
| Support Scheme | Amount | Eligibility | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Support Fund (HSF) | Up to £500 | Low-income households | Apply via local council |
| Energy Bill Grants | Up to £1,700 | Households in energy debt | Apply via energy suppliers |
| Council Tax Support | Varies | Low-income households | Apply via local council |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 | Pensioners and low-income households | Automatic or apply via energy suppliers |
| Free School Meal Vouchers | Up to £90 per child | Families on benefits | Distributed by local councils |
Understanding the Free £90 Cost of Living Payment
No New £90 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that there will be no new £90 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025. The series of payments issued between 2022 and 2024 have concluded, with no further payments planned for 2025.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The HSF has been extended to run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with £742 million allocated to local councils in England. The fund aims to support low-income and vulnerable households with essential expenses such as food, energy, and water bills.
Examples of Local Council Support:
- Worcestershire: Up to £500 for households meeting specific criteria, including having a low income, a long-term illness or disability, or recent experience of a crisis.
- Blackpool: £200 for smaller households and £300 for larger ones, with funds directed toward energy costs.
- Cheshire West: Up to £200 in support, with additional food vouchers for families with children on free school meals.
Energy Bill Grants
Several energy companies offer hardship grants to help customers with energy debts:
- British Gas Energy Trust: Offers grants up to £1,700 for energy debt relief.
- EDF, E.ON Next, Octopus Energy: Provide grants or bill credits for customers facing hardship.
Most of these grants are available even if you’re not a customer of the respective energy company.
Council Tax Support
Also known as Council Tax Reduction, this program lowers council tax bills for households with low income or benefits. Eligibility depends on household income, savings, and the number of dependents. Applications can be made directly through local council websites.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
This scheme offers a £150 discount on electricity bills for qualifying households, including those on Pension Credit or with low income. The discount is applied automatically or can be applied for through energy suppliers.
Free School Meal Vouchers
Local councils provide supermarket vouchers to families with children eligible for free school meals:
- Ealing Council: Offers £15 per child in May 2025 and £90 per child in July 2025.
- Southampton City Council: Provides £15 per eligible child for May half-term and £60 for the summer holiday.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there a new £90 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025?
No, the UK government has not announced any new £90 Cost of Living Payment for May 2025. The series of payments issued between 2022 and 2024 have concluded.
Q2: How can I apply for the Household Support Fund?
Applications for the HSF are managed by local councils.
Q3: What support is available for energy bills?
Energy companies like British Gas, EDF, and Octopus Energy offer hardship grants to help customers with energy debts. Additionally, the Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a £150 discount on electricity bills for qualifying households.
Q4: How do I apply for Council Tax Support?
Council Tax Support applications are handled by local councils. Eligibility depends on household income, savings, and the number of dependents.
Q5: Are there any other support schemes available?
Yes, other support schemes include free school meal vouchers provided by local councils and various grants offered by energy companies.
