Published date:
The Government has confirmed further funding for the Household Support Fund (HSF) scheme, available from 30 April 2025. The HSF is designed to help residents with the cost of essentials such as energy, food, and household bills.
Below is a summary of what is available in your area:
City of York Council – Household Support Fund 7 (HSF7)
Opens from 30 April 2025 until 31 March 2026
There are two ways to access help through the HSF:
Route 1: Automatic Payments (No Application Needed)
Two payments will be made to eligible households:
- First payment: A credit applied directly to your Council Tax account in summer 2025.
- Second payment: A £150 bank transfer later in the year. The council will write to eligible households with instructions on how to claim the payment.
To qualify, you must already be receiving one of the following:
- Council Tax Support
- Council Tax Severe Mental Impairment Disregard
- Carers Council Tax Discount
- Disability-related Banding Reduction
If you are eligible, you do not need to apply for the first payment as it will be applied automatically.
Route 2: Discretionary Applications (You Need to Apply)
If you are not eligible through Route 1 but struggle with living costs, you can apply for support through the discretionary scheme.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a York resident
- Be in urgent financial need
- Have low income or savings
- Need help with essential costs like food, energy, or housing
Your application will include a standard means test to assess your current situation and the support you need to cover essential bills.
You can only receive help through one route unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Application deadline: Midnight, 31 March 2026
To find out more and apply, visit City of York Council
Leeds City Council – Household Support Fund
If you live in Leeds and receive Council Tax Support, you may receive:
- £125 if you have dependent children
- £50 for all other eligible households
- £150 for some pensioners who receive Council Tax Support (but not the 2025–26 Winter Fuel Payment)
These payments will be made in the autumn and winter of 2025. You do not need to apply as the council will contact you if you are eligible.
To find out more and apply, visit: Household Support Fund | Leeds.gov.uk
East Riding of Yorkshire Council – Household Support Fund 7 (HSF7)
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has received £3.63 million in HSF funding for 2025–26.
If you are struggling to pay for food, energy, or other essentials, you can apply for a one-off payment of £425.
To qualify, you must:
- Live in the East Riding of Yorkshire Council area
- Be responsible for paying Council Tax and/or rent
- Be in financial difficulty, with savings under £1,000
Have a net income (after tax/NI) below the limits below:
| Household Type | Maximum Net Income |
|---|---|
| Single (working age) | £14,248 |
| Couple (no children) | £23,504 |
| Single parent (1 child) | £23,504 |
| Single parent (2+ children) | £34,320 |
| Couple (2 children) | £34,320 |
| Single pensioner | £15,964 |
| Pensioner couple | £26,208 |
Payments like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance are not counted as income.
You may also be eligible if you are a former care leaver living in the East Riding.
To apply or find out more, visit this page - Household Support Fund
Hartlepool Borough Council
At the time of publication, the Hartlepool Borough Council website had not yet been updated with details of the Household Support Fund for May 2025.
In previous rounds of the fund, support included supermarket vouchers for low-income households, including families and pensioners. Pensioners were also eligible for cash payments.
To find out the latest information, please contact the council’s Welfare Support Team:
Phone: 01429 806895
Email: hsf@hartlepool.gov.uk
or visit: Contact us | Hartlepool Borough Council
North Yorkshire Council
As of this article’s publication, the North Yorkshire Council website had not yet published updated details of the Household Support Fund for May 2025.
Previously, support was offered through e-vouchers to help with essential living costs.
For the most up-to-date information, contact North Yorkshire Council