From April 2024 to September 2024, the Department of Work and Pensions is providing funding to local councils through the Household Support Fund. Councils are using this funding to support low income households with the rising cost of living, including energy, food and essential bills.
Each council has their own way of distributing the fund and many now have funding available.
Please visit the relevant webpage for your local council to find out about eligibility criteria and if/how you can apply for support from this fund;
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council
Basingstoke and Deane (fund not currently open)
South Oxfordshire District Council (fund not currently open but alternative funding may be available)
Reading Council’s Money Matters web pages bring together useful advice and resources on coping with the cost-of-living crisis, from dealing with your housing and utility bills to looking after your welfare and mental health.
For general contacts for advice about benefits and other kinds of support, visit our support in Berkshire web page