The UK government is rolling out new financial support for struggling households in the form of half-term Cost of Living vouchers.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that payments of up to £225 will be distributed through the Household Support Fund.
These one-off payments aim to help eligible families and individuals in Doncaster manage essential expenses during the February half-term.
£225 Half-Term Cost of Living Vouchers
Not everyone will receive the same amount, as the payment depends on household circumstances. Doncaster Council has outlined the eligibility criteria:
- Working-age households without children – £75
- Households with one or two dependent children – £150
- Households with three or more dependent children – £225
- Pensioner households on Pension Credit – £50
- Pensioner households not on Pension Credit – £150
This initiative is particularly helpful for low-income families who may struggle with additional half-term costs.
Application Process
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.
However, payments have already been automatically processed for most households that previously received Household Support Fund assistance.
If you were eligible last time and still meet the criteria, you should have received your payment by December 13, 2024. The amount was either deposited directly into your bank account or sent via cheque if bank details were unavailable.
For those who did not receive an automatic payment but meet the eligibility requirements, an online application must be submitted.
The application portal opened on December 5, 2024, and will close on February 28, 2025, at 5pm—or sooner if funding runs out.
How to Update Bank Details
To ensure smooth payment processing, recipients must inform Doncaster Council of any changes to their bank details. If you prefer direct bank transfers instead of receiving a cheque, email [email protected] with the following details:
- Full name
- National Insurance Number
- Full address
- Bank sort code
- Account number
- Name of the account holder
Possible Extension
Doncaster Council has indicated that applications may stay open longer if funding remains available. However, if the allocated budget is exhausted before the deadline, applications may close early.
This new round of support from the DWP highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to provide financial relief to households facing rising living costs. If you qualify, make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your payment.
