The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has partnered with Rother District Council to offer a £195 one-off payment to households on specified benefits.
This vital support comes through the Household Support Fund (HSF)—a lifeline for families struggling to afford essentials like food, energy, and water bills.
What You Need to Know
The fund is designed to help those most in need and will operate from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, or until funds are exhausted. This support is limited, so eligible households are advised to apply promptly.
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over and live in the Rother District Council area.
- Be receiving Universal Credit (with Housing Costs), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
- Be struggling with the cost of essentials (food, energy, or water).
- Submit only one application per household during the scheme period.
- Apply via the HSF portal using quick code: 573B4L if you already have an account.
If you previously applied during the October 2024–March 2025 round, you can use your existing portal account.
Households that did not benefit before are encouraged to apply first; the rest can apply from 15 September 2025, provided funding remains.
Who Can Apply and When
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Area | Rother District Council (East Sussex) |
| Age Requirement | Over 18 years old |
| Qualifying Benefits | Universal Credit (with Housing Costs), Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction |
| Cash Award | £195 one-off, directly to your bank account |
| Application Period | 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Previous HSF 2024–25 Recipients | Can reuse portal account; quick code required |
| New Applicants | Apply from now; others start from 15 September 2025 |
| Limit per Household | One application only; repeats are automatically refused |
| When Funds End | Scheme closes on 31 March 2026 or earlier if funds run out |
Why This Matters
With the cost of living soaring, this £195 support can make a real difference for struggling households. It can help cover a week’s worth of groceries or prevent utility disconnections.
The direct-to-bank payment and limited application barriers mean eligible residents can receive swift help when it’s needed most.
Act Now: Avoid Missing Out
- Eligible households should apply immediately before funding runs out.
- Ensure your application is accurate—only one payment allowed per household.
- Check the portal early, especially if previously registered.
- New applicants in Rother should apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.
If you live in the Rother District and are on Universal Credit (with Housing Costs), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, the £195 one-off payment via the DWP’s Household Support Fund could provide much-needed relief.
Act now—eligibility is simple, funding is limited, and this opportunity may not come again. Visit the application portal and submit your details today to secure this vital support.
FAQs
Who can get the £195 payment from the DWP?
Residents of Rother District Council over 18 years old, receiving Universal Credit (with Housing Costs), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, struggling with essentials like food, energy, or water.
When can eligible households apply?
Applications are open from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, or until funds run out. If you didn’t receive HSF in the previous round, apply now; otherwise, you can apply from 15 September 2025.
Can I apply more than once per household?
No, only one application per household is allowed during the full funding period; any repeats will be refused automatically.