£300 Cash Boost for Universal Credit Households This Summer – Are You Eligible?

The cost of living in the UK has been rising steadily over the past few years. Whether it’s energy bills, grocery shopping or children’s education expenses, the burden on the common man’s pocket has increased in every direction. Especially for those families who already rely on support schemes like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, this summer holiday brings an additional financial challenge. But in the meantime, there is news of relief—the government has decided to extend the Household Support Fund again, giving cash assistance of up to £300 to eligible families. The purpose of this funding is to ensure that any family, especially those with young children, can meet the basic needs of food, essential items and running the house during the summer holidays.

Scheme timeline and £742 million funding

This scheme launched by the government was first started as a temporary relief measure, but it has been extended several times in view of the need. Currently, the new tranche of the scheme will be in effect from April 2025 to March 2026. This time, the government has divided a huge amount of £742 million among various local councils across England. This fund has been allocated to each council based on the population, socioeconomic status, and past needs of their area. Under this scheme, each council has the freedom to decide the type of assistance to be given based on the priorities of their area—such as cash payments, supermarket vouchers, or subsidies in energy bills.

This fund is to be used to help families who fall in the low-income group, who have been directly affected by the economic crisis, or who are considered socially ‘vulnerable’ in any way. The government intends to provide basic amenities of life to the people through this scheme and also give them mental relief.

Cash support of up to £300 in Doncaster—the amount will be determined by the number of children.

Doncaster Council has implemented this scheme very effectively. Families living there, especially those who are covered under schemes such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, can apply for cash support of up to £300. This amount will be transferred directly to the family’s bank account and the aim is that they can use this money to buy supermarket shopping, children’s essentials, or household items.

But this support is based on the number of children. If you have one dependent child in your family—that is, a child for whom you are receiving Child Benefit—you will get £100. For two children this amount increases to £200 and if you have three or more children, you can get up to £300. The idea behind this system is that family expenses increase according to the number of children, and the government is providing the support amount keeping this in mind.

It is also important that applicants for the scheme have already submitted their bank details and identity documents to Doncaster Council. Those who have applied before will not need to apply again this time around—they will be paid straight away based on their previous details. But if you are a new applicant, you will need to visit the Doncaster Council website and apply online.

Up to £320 worth of supermarket vouchers to be available in North Northamptonshire from August 4

Just like Doncaster, North Northamptonshire Council has launched a practical and beneficial scheme for citizens in its area. Here, eligible residents are being offered supermarket vouchers with the amount based on family size. Under the scheme:

• One person will receive a voucher worth £150, which they can use to do their monthly shopping.
• A family of two will receive up to £260 worth of support, which they can jointly use to buy their household groceries and other essentials.
• And households with three or more people will be given vouchers worth up to £320.

The vouchers can be used directly at supermarkets and can only be spent on food items or household essentials. The scheme is open from 4 August 2025, and the council says early applicants will be given priority as funds are limited.

Not every council has the same support—find out what’s available in your area.

Although the scheme has been launched nationally with a budget of £742 million, each council’s support policies and priorities are different. This is because each area has different socio-economic circumstances. For example, some councils offer direct cash support, while others offer supermarket vouchers or subsidies on energy bills.

You can find out what kind of support is available to you and whether you are eligible for it by visiting your area’s council website. If you are covered under schemes such as Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, or free school meals, your application is more likely to be approved.

Areas such as Worcestershire, Devon and Redcar are also getting big help.

In addition to Doncaster and Northamptonshire, residents in Worcestershire are also being given relief. There, families are being given up to £500 in support so they can pay their water and energy bills. This support is especially useful in winter when the cost of heating increases exponentially.

Similarly, Devon County Council has issued supermarket vouchers worth £90 to families whose children are eligible for free school meals. The amount is set at £15 per week for the six weeks of the summer holidays and has already been paid to more than 22,000 families.

Residents of Redcar & Cleveland can also apply for up to £230 in aid. This support is for those who are struggling with the rising cost of living and are looking for extra financial help.

Application process: Simple but cautious

Most councils have simplified the application process so people don’t have to wait in long queues or deal with complex documentation. If you’ve already submitted your bank account details and proof of identity, you’ll just need to fill out a simple online form. If you are a new applicant, you will need to upload proof of Child Benefit or Universal Credit.

Keep in mind that sometimes these schemes are applied on a “first come, first served” basis, so delaying may result in you losing this assistance. So as soon as your council notifies you of starting applications, act immediately.

Conclusion: A ray of relief for needy families

In today’s time when inflation is affecting every household, such schemes run by the government are a true ray of relief for common citizens. Especially for those parents who have small children and who want to balance food, education and care during the holidays. This assistance amount, ranging from £100 to £500, is not only a financial support for them but also a source of mental peace.

If you are also part of a family that is registered in Universal Credit or other assistance schemes, then this is the right time to take advantage of this scheme. Visit your council’s website to apply, find out the eligibility, and bring some relief and smiles to your family this summer.

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