Cost-of-living crisis awards are where an individual or family are facing severe financial hardship and cannot afford food, warmth, water, electricity and household essentials. As such, there is a risk they will suffer harm without help as they have no other source of financial support available to them.

• A household can receive a maximum of two awards in a 12-month period from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026. Residents applying for their first award are prioritised. Applicants can apply for 1 award between 1st April and 30th September and a second award between 1st October to 31st March. Payments are subject to the scheme’s budget position. If you have an exceptional case with the resident in urgent need, please contact [email protected] for agreement on the case being prioritised.
• In exceptional circumstances, if sufficient information and evidence is supplied in the application, higher values may be awarded. Please use the relevant field in the application. If a higher value award is needed, please contact [email protected] for agreement.
• The scheme’s budget position will be taken into consideration when making an award.
• COL award must be 2 months from HSF award.

Further information regarding the Cost of Living Awards can be found in the Cost of Living Fund briefing note.