Households across the UK are now eligible for up to £500 in supermarket vouchers through the Household Support Fund, a government-backed scheme supporting residents struggling with living costs. The distribution began this August, and local councils are responsible for managing the allocation of support.
According to Express, the exact amount and form of assistance—such as supermarket vouchers or energy bill payments—depend on each authority’s guidelines. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines are also determined locally. The scheme is part of a wider initiative to provide short-term financial relief to low-income households, particularly those affected by inflation and essential cost increases.
Tailored Support Based on Household Type
Ribble Valley Borough Council in Lancashire has confirmed it will reopen applications from August 18. It says:
Eligible households who are struggling financially and have a combined household income of less than £35,000 per year can apply for a food voucher.
The council will offer:
- £200 for single-person households
- £300 for households with two or more adults
- £500 vouchers households with children
These supermarket vouchers are part of a broader support effort targeting households with children and low to moderate income levels.
Nottingham Council’s Allocation: Precise Amounts and Timing
Nottingham Council began accepting applications for its Household Support Fund on Monday, August 4, at 10 a.m. Eligible households may receive:
- £98 energy bill vouchers
- £75 supermarket vouchers
Only a fixed number of vouchers are made available each month. If applicants miss the August 4 allocation, the next batch—comprising 2,300 vouchers—will be released on September 1. These supermarket vouchers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and typically go quickly due to high demand.
Funding Structure, Local Discretion and Warrington Update
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) distributes the fund nationally, but councils determine how it is used locally. Every authority has autonomy to set its own rules, allocate different voucher amounts, and decide how to process applications.
Warrington Borough Council has confirmed it will make payments to eligible households in early August, although it has not publicly disclosed the voucher amounts.
The UK government emphasises that support is not limited to benefit claimants. According to official guidance:
Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.
Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria, if or how you need to apply, who money is given to.
For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.
