People not on DWP benefits can still claim £200 Cost of Living payment

Some may assume you have to be receiving benefits to be eligible but this isn’t necessarily the case. Decision-makers will focus on those in most pressing need for financial support.

Special payments to assist households struggling with the cost of living are available from local councils – and it’s not necessary to be on benefits to make a claim. Many individuals are unaware that they might be eligible for payments or other forms of support from their local council. The Household Support Fund (HSF) is available to help residents facing financial difficulties.

It’s a common misconception that you must be receiving benefits to qualify, but this isn’t always the case. Those in dire need of financial assistance will be prioritised by decision-makers. While those receiving benefits may be more likely to be considered, it’s not a hard and fast rule, and those not receiving state support are not excluded from applying.

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Support levels vary across the country, with each council offering different amounts. For instance, Birmingham City Council is distributing £200 grants, while Doncaster Council offers £300 to larger families, reports Birmingham Live.

Fiona Peake, a personal finance expert at Ocean Finance, explains: “Families are missing out because they don’t realise they’re eligible, but this fund is for anyone who is having a tough time – people who are working hard, juggling the bills and still finding there’s not enough left at the end of the month.

“In many cases, they don’t need to be on Universal Credit or any other benefit to apply. The schemes are different depending on where you live, and some are already closing for the summer, so don’t hang about.”

For those who are unsure about what benefits they could claim, the Gov UK website has a free, independent benefits calculator that allows people to check what they could get.

This will give you an estimate of:

• the benefits you could get
• how much your benefit payments could be
• how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
• how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change – for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner