Families on Universal Credit, PIP and DLA getting £200 payments before March 31

Families with sick or disabled children receiving DLA or PIP under the expanded Household Support Fund

Individuals receiving certain Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits are due to receive assistance from their local authority through the Household Support Fund. Some households with sick or disabled children may struggle to cover essentials such as food and energy costs.

Consequently, the Labour Party government has extended the Household Support Fund, which provides support for essential living costs. Islington Council has received an allocation of £3,909,440.47 for the period running from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Eligible families may receive £200 for each sick or disabled child living in their home. Recipients must also be claiming a means-tested benefit, reports Birmingham Live.

Qualifying benefits include Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Universal Credit is also recognised by the local authority, which serves the capital city, London. The council explains: “We will check with the DWP and other systems to make sure you get one of these.”

“If you do not get one of these benefits, do not apply.” It continues: “If your application is successful, you will get £200 for each child who gets DLA or PIP. If you have more than one eligible child, you will get £200 for each child. We may refer you to other local services that can offer support.”

Fraudulent messages regarding the Household Support Fund are being circulated by some individuals. The council confirms it will not contact you via text message about the fund – OR request any upfront payment. £742 million has been allocated to County Councils and Unitary Authorities across England to assist vulnerable households with essential costs through the Household Support Fund.

Announcing the extension, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said: “The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous government, means we must take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy. But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do – provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.”

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