As a new year starts, many families worry that support has ended, rules have changed, or help has quietly disappeared. January is often one of the hardest months financially — especially after Christmas — and misinformation spreads fast online.
The truth is: support did not stop on January 1st. In fact, there are still several forms of help available through the DWP, local councils, and related schemes that many people don’t realise they’re entitled to.
This post breaks it down clearly.
1. Household Support Fund: Still Available in January & February
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that the Household Support Fund (HSF) ended at Christmas. It didn’t.
The Household Support Fund is delivered by local councils, and many are continuing to offer support throughout January and February, with funding currently running through to March 2026.
Depending on where you live, this support can include:
- supermarket or food vouchers
- gas and electricity top-ups
- help with water bills
- support for essentials like clothing or household items
- in some areas, white goods such as washing machines or fridges
Many councils allow self-referral, and in some cases support is issued very quickly if there is urgent need.
The key point: availability and amounts vary by council, so you must check locally.
2. PIP Does Not Reset or Stop in January
Another common fear is that PIP changes or stops at the start of a new year. This is not true.
If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
- it does not stop because it’s January
- it is not means-tested
- it is not affected by work or savings
Your PIP award continues unless you are due a scheduled review or you report a change of circumstances.
It’s also important to remember that PIP can unlock additional support, such as:
- Blue Badge eligibility
- Motability
- council tax reductions
- access to grants and charity support
These entitlements don’t disappear just because the calendar changes.
3. Universal Credit Continues as Normal
There’s a widespread myth that January brings automatic Universal Credit changes or reassessments. It doesn’t.
Your Universal Credit claim continues unless:
- your income changes
- your household changes
- you report a change of circumstances
Being on Universal Credit does not stop you from:
- applying for Household Support Fund help
- receiving food or energy vouchers
- accessing crisis or discretionary support
Local council help is separate from Universal Credit and usually does not affect your UC payments.
4. You Can Ask for Help Again
Many families don’t realise this, so it’s worth saying clearly:
👉 You are allowed to ask for help more than once.
If your situation has changed — higher bills, illness, reduced income, extra needs — you can reach out again to:
- your local council
- Citizens Advice
- welfare or cost-of-living support teams
Support is based on current need, not whether you’ve asked before.
5. Using This Support Is Not Fraud
This is a big fear for many people.
Using:
- Household Support Fund help
- council-issued vouchers
- emergency food or energy support
does not count as fraud and does not negatively affect your benefits.
These schemes exist because people are struggling. Using them is not doing anything wrong.
What to Do Next
If money is tight right now, your next steps should be:
- Visit your local council’s website and search for “Household Support Fund” or “cost of living support”
- Contact Citizens Advice if you’re unsure what you can apply for
- Don’t assume you’re not eligible — ask the question
- Apply early, as some council funds are limited
Final Thoughts
January doesn’t mean support has ended.
If you’re worried about food, heating, bills, or essentials, help may still be available — but it’s often poorly advertised and easy to miss.
You are not failing for needing support.
You are not doing anything wrong by asking.
And you are not alone.
For more clear, practical guidance on benefits, SEND support, and financial help, visit AskEllie.co.uk.
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