Household support fund: Find out what winter payment your area offers

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rest of England: Newcastle In Newcastle, the HSF will be used for: Free school meal vouchers for children over the school holidays Hardship payments for residents in financial difficulty The council will also be contacting local pensioners receiving council tax support and/or housing benefit who no longer qualify for the winter fuel payment following Labour changes to the benefit. Advise from the authority reads: “We will support 3,700 households in receipt of Council Tax Support and or Housing Benefit who will not qualify for the Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance.” Worcestershire In Worcestershire, the HSF will provide eligible households with: Financial support toward current energy and water costs Financial support toward energy and water debts only Help to repair, service and replace broken boilers and heating systems Support with food costs or direct provision of food Support with wider essentials For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Worcestershire council website. Hertfordshire In Hertfordshire, residents eligible for the HSF can benefit from: Supermarket vouchers during the holidays for families receiving free school meals Money for food and energy Assistance with housing costs Additional support for people on pension credit For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Hertfordshire council website. York In York, there is currently one scheme running through the HSF: Payment to bank account of £115, to help towards household bills for households receiving council tax support Discretionary payments for households in need and not receiving council tax support For eligibility and how to apply, visit the York council website.