DWP's £500 Household Support Fund Scheme Closes Today
Thousands of families across the UK have just hours remaining to apply for free cash worth up to £500 as a crucial Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme ends on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The Household Support Fund, which provided emergency financial assistance to hard-up households, is being scrapped, leaving residents with a final opportunity to secure support.
Last-Minute Applications for Vital Cash Support
The scheme, which distributed a share of a £742 million pot of cash to every local council, allowed struggling households to access money for essentials like food and energy bills. With the deadline looming, eligible families must act quickly to submit their applications before the fund closes permanently.
Camden Council in London has been offering payments of up to £500 to residents in emergency financial situations. A spokesperson stated, "If you're in an emergency financial situation and don't have the money to pay for essentials, you may be eligible for a payment of up to £500 from the UK government-funded Household Support Fund." The council confirmed that the eligibility criteria mirror those of their Cost of Living Crisis Fund, and applications must be submitted through their Money Advice Service.
Regional Variations in Support Payments
While Camden provided up to £500, other areas offered different amounts:
- Bromley, Greater London: Households could apply for up to £150 in free cash.
- Doncaster: Residents were eligible for up to £400 to help with food and energy costs.
Doncaster Council explained, "The Government has provided Household Support Funding to Local Authorities for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 to support those households most in need." They added that no further payments will be made once the current scheme closes, with a new Crisis Resilience scheme set to replace it in the future.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
For those seeking last-minute assistance, Camden Council provided clear instructions:
- Apply through the Money Advice Service for payments from both the Household Support Fund and Cost of Living Crisis Fund.
- If eligible, you can apply for both funds, but there must be a two-month gap between applications.
- For help with applications, call 020 7974 4444.
The closure of this scheme marks a significant shift in government support for vulnerable households, with councils urging residents to act immediately to secure available funds before time runs out.
