Thousands of households are being encouraged to verify if they qualify for up to £200 in cost of living assistance. Portsmouth City Council is administering this aid through the Household Support Fund, a financial resource allocated to vulnerable households to help cover expenses like food, energy, and water bills.
The support provided varies among councils, with some offering vouchers and others distributing cash payments, based on each local authority’s discretion. In the case of Portsmouth City Council, £150 is granted to single-person households, while couples or families receive £200. Eligibility criteria include a household income below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples or families, including single-parent families. Residents must also live in specific postcode districts.
The application deadline for this support is October 27, 2025, with a possibility of closure earlier if funds are fully allocated. Individuals residing outside Portsmouth are advised to inquire about similar assistance offered by their local council through the Household Support Fund.
For instance, Wealden District Council is providing £200 payments to recipients of Universal Credit, including those receiving Housing Costs element, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or having Severe Mental Impairment exemption. The application window is open until September 30, 2025, for those who did not receive a prior payment, with a second phase from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, for remaining eligible claims.
Additionally, West Berkshire Council is issuing cash payments to households facing financial crises, with £300 awarded to households with three or more children, £250 to those with one to two children, and £150 to households with no children. Ribble Valley Borough Council is distributing food vouchers to eligible households with an annual income below £35,000, while residents can receive vouchers ranging from £200 to £500 based on household composition.
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