{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreicl42rqqrvedyc7k62pd7emf4ow6ny3czqy4qibjtmjvmw2yyucdy",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhq26bcyp572"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreibqo3aw4upnq2eafjhavryvpnihtn4mv4ek5mqcf22vidu6fa7jma"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 25517
  },
  "path": "/money/dwp-british-families-cost-of-living-payment",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-23T12:08:17.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Labour urged to 'end threat of prison' for council tax non-payments as hikes hit millions from April",
    "Energy bill overhaul next month as MILLIONS told to 'submit smart meter reading' or pay more",
    "Major inflation announcement looms as Britons brace for US-Iran war 'uncertainty'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nFamilies across England are being urged to apply for up to £300 in support before the Household Support Fund closes on March 31.\n\nThe scheme, designed to help households struggling with the cost of living, provides assistance with essentials such as food and energy bills.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nEvery council in England has received a share of a £742million pot to distribute locally, with eligibility and payment levels varying between authorities.\n\nSome councils issue supermarket vouchers, while others provide direct cash payments.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn Doncaster, applications remain open for support of up to £300 to help with food costs.\n\nResidents must be receiving benefits such as Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Reduction or Universal Credit.\n\nPayments are based on household size — £100 for one child, £200 for two, and £300 for three or more.\n\nApplications are processed immediately, with payments typically arriving within five working days.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe deadline is 5pm on March 31, although the scheme may close earlier if funds run out.\n\nIn Bromley, residents can apply for up to £150 to help with food or energy bills.\n\nApplicants must be aged 16 or over, live in the borough and provide proof of income and evidence of rent or energy arrears. Applications can be made online.\n\nSupport varies widely across England, with some councils limiting eligibility to those on specific benefits, while others assess applications based on income or vulnerability.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Labour urged to 'end threat of prison' for council tax non-payments as hikes hit millions from April\n  * Energy bill overhaul next month as MILLIONS told to 'submit smart meter reading' or pay more\n  * Major inflation announcement looms as Britons brace for US-Iran war 'uncertainty'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Household Support Fund will be replaced on April 1 by a new Crisis and Resilience Fund, aimed at supporting vulnerable households and ensuring children have access to food during school holidays.\n\nThe Government said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to support households facing financial pressures.\n\nCouncils remain the main point of contact for information on available support, and households are being encouraged to check local rules and apply before the deadline.\n\nSome eligible residents may receive payments automatically if they have previously qualified.\n\nCouncils remain the primary point of contact for information on available support and application processes, and households are being urged to check local rules before the March 31 deadline.\n\nAdding to the Government’s wider cost of living messaging, Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged the pressure facing many families, particularly in rural areas.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nShe said: “Heating oil prices have spiked sharply, and I know that for families in rural communities that is a real and urgent problem.\n\n\"That’s why we’re putting over £50million of support to help the people who need it most, including funding for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver support in Northern Ireland where this issue hits hardest.”\n\nEnergy Secretary Ed Miliband said ministers were determined to protect households as living costs continue to rise.\n\nHe said: “This Government is committed to fighting people’s corner in tackling cost of living pressures.\n\n\"With this investment, alongside new measures to protect customers against any unfair practices, we are standing up for the British people.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Families given £300 DWP cash payment lifeline as cost of living bites — but have just EIGHT days to apply"
}