Thousands of households across the UK remain eligible for financial assistance in 2025 and early 2026, as local authorities continue distributing support under the government-backed household support fund.
This program, launched to help those most affected by ongoing cost of living challenges, remains active but varies widely in its implementation across regions.
According to GB News, local councils are using their discretion to tailor the fund to community-specific needs, from food and energy bills to direct cash payments. While the level of support depends on location and household circumstances, in some cases the payments can reach up to £500 per household.
Cost of Living Pressures Continue Into 2025
The household support fund, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has been extended through March 2026. It aims to help households cover the costs of food, energy, and other essential needs during a prolonged period of financial pressure.
Local councils are responsible for administering the fund. As a result, eligibility criteria, application processes, and types of support vary by region.
The available aid includes energy vouchers, cash payments, and supermarket gift cards, with some forms of assistance distributed automatically and others requiring formal application.
Worcestershire: Up to £500 in Cost of Living Support
Worcestershire County Council is providing payments of up to £500 to eligible households across:
- Malvern
- Worcester
- Wychavon
- Bromsgrove
- Redditch
- Wyre Forest
Qualifying residents must include someone who receives benefits, has a long-term illness or disability, acts as a carer, or has recently experienced a crisis.
Payments may be:
- Transferred directly to energy providers
- Credited via an online portal
- Issued as Post Office vouchers, specifically for households using prepayment meters
Applicants must submit supporting documentation within 28 days of applying to remain eligible.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: Phased Support Up to £300
In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), eligible low-income households can access up to £300 through two £150 vouchers, issued in four application windows running until January 2026.
The first window is open from 12 May to 4 July 2025. Three further rounds are scheduled.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, encouraged early participation:
I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply, and to make the most of the practical advice and guidance on offer.
Funding is targeted toward residents with low incomes or urgent needs, and each round aims to reach households in varying situations of hardship.
Salford: Energy Payments and Expanded Winter Support
Salford City Council is deploying its £4.8 million allocation to deliver £200 energy payments, alongside a broad set of additional support measures.
The assistance is aimed particularly at older residents, including those potentially eligible for Pension Credit but who have not yet claimed it. Proof of financial hardship is required, though benefit receipt is not mandatory.
Additional support includes:
- Supermarket and energy vouchers
- Holiday food vouchers for school-aged children
- Additional funding for housing support and adult social care
In 2024, 92% of more than 3,000 eligible Salford residents received payments through the fund. Since the program began in 2021, over 50,000 applications have been submitted in the city.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett commented on the impact:
This funding has made a real difference to people’s lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don’t go hungry during the school holidays.
North Somerset: Automatic Vouchers for School-Age Children
In North Somerset, families with children entitled to free school meals will automatically receive £100 food vouchers per child in June 2025. For families with two children, this equates to £200, and scales accordingly.
Households receiving Council Tax Reduction will also receive £50 vouchers in June 2025 and again in January 2026. No application is required for these vouchers.
The council has been allocated £2.3 million to administer through March 2026.
While some benefits—such as school meal vouchers—are issued automatically, many types of assistance under the household support fund require an application via the local council. Applicants may need to submit proof of income, benefit status, or documentation of hardship.
The amount and type of help differ across the UK, and funding is limited. Residents are encouraged to consult their local council’s website or contact support services directly. With cost of living pressures set to continue into 2025, hundreds of pounds in aid may still be available for vulnerable households.
