Thousands of residents across the UK may be eligible for supermarket vouchers worth up to £300 this November. The support is part of the government’s extended Household Support Fund, with local councils independently managing distribution. The initiative, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to assist households struggling to afford everyday essentials. With no requirement to receive benefits, the scheme is intended to reach a broader base of financially vulnerable residents.
£300 Vouchers Available for Essential Groceries at Major Retailers
Local authorities in England have begun issuing vouchers valued between £200 and £300 to eligible residents, as part of the government-backed Household Support Fund, which has been extended until March 2026. According to Surrey County Council, its Everyday Essentials E-voucher scheme is one of several local initiatives offering financial support to households through supermarket vouchers.
The scheme allows residents to use their vouchers at a range of retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Waitrose, Iceland and Farmfoods. The amount provided varies by household type, £200 for single individuals and £300 for families, and is dependent on strict eligibility criteria.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, reside within the issuing local authority, have household savings of less than £2,000 averaged over a 90-day period, and an annual gross income below £27,007.50. Notably, eligibility is not restricted to those on Universal Credit or other benefits.
According to the Express, applications are open until 31 March 2026, though the number of vouchers distributed each month is capped. Once a monthly allocation is reached, applications are paused until the following month. Authorities encourage early applications to avoid delays or missed opportunities.
Variation in Council Policies Highlights Uneven Access to Support
Because the Household Support Fund is devolved to local councils, access to assistance and the form it takes can differ substantially depending on where residents live. While Surrey has opted for supermarket vouchers, other regions offer grants, utility support or direct payments.
In Doncaster, for instance, families with children can apply for cost of living grants up to £300, specifically for grocery purchases. Meanwhile, Nottingham City Council provides £98 towards energy bills and £75 in food vouchers, targeting broader household needs.
The UK Government’s official guidance states that the funding is intended for anyone who is vulnerable or unable to afford essentials, and reiterates that receiving benefits is not a prerequisite for receiving support. “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials,” reads the statement. “You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.”
Each council determines its own eligibility rules, distribution methods and application procedures. Some councils may limit household applications to one per year, or work in partnership with charities and community groups to distribute funds.
While this flexibility allows councils to tailor support to local needs, it can also lead to confusion for applicants unsure of what help is available or how to claim it. Individuals are advised to check their local council websites for up-to-date information and application guidelines.
