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Brits are being encouraged to determine whether they might be entitled to financial assistance from their local authority ahead of an upcoming deadline. Eligible people can receive help through the Household Support Fund until the end of March.

This scheme has been established to aid those struggling to cover essential costs, such as bills, groceries and other fundamental necessities.

Nevertheless, the allocation of this support differs depending on your area, as individual councils possess the authority to determine how the funding is distributed.

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) highlighted this scheme through a message posted on social media platform X.

Ofgem stated: "Did you know, you might be eligible for help from the Government's Household Support Fund? You can apply through your local council for financial support with essentials, including utility bills.

"Visit your council's page to find out more."

Additional information regarding the programme is available on the Government website.

The site explains: "You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as 'the Household Support Fund'."

According to GOV.UK, this could be beneficial if you're "struggling to afford things like":

• Energy and water bills
• Food
• Essential items

Your local authority may additionally offer food vouchers to households during school holidays. It's worth noting that this support isn't limited exclusively to those claiming benefits.

GOV.UK stated: "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."

However, if you are a recipient of benefits, any payment from a Household Support Fund scheme will not affect them.

Local councils decide how their schemes function, which means there may be differences in:

• Eligibility criteria
• If or how you need to apply
• Who money is given to

But it is important to note that the Household Support Fund is set to come to an end in March 2026. This will be replaced by the new Crisis and Resilience Fund will launch in April 2026.

This will offer two different types of support payments available. They will provide help for people who are struggling to pay their bills or afford household essentials, such as food.

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