Thousands of UK households will soon receive £500 supermarket vouchers as part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund (HSF). Applications are set to reopen in Ribble Valley on 18 August 2025, with the scheme aimed at easing financial pressures for low-income families.
The fund, which has been running since October 2021, continues to provide targeted assistance to those most affected by the cost of living crisis. Local councils, including Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC), will oversee the administration of these payments using allocations from Lancashire County Council (LCC).
How the Household Support Fund Works
According to RVBC, the Household Support Fund was introduced to help residents struggling to meet the rising cost of essential items, particularly during the winter months. Since its launch, six rounds of funding have been rolled out, with LCC receiving a total of £17,057,602.21 to distribute across the region. Of this, £158,983.89 will be transferred directly to RVBC for the latest phase.
Eligible applicants include households with a combined annual income below £35,000, who can apply for supermarket vouchers. Single-adult households will be entitled to £200, while households with two or more adults will receive £300. For families with children, an additional £500 payment will be available. A child is defined as anyone under 19 years old, or anyone over 19 in receipt of a child-related benefit such as Child Benefit or free school meals.
“Priority will be given to new applications,” the council confirmed, adding that households who benefited from HSF5 (April 2024 to September 2024) will only be eligible after 1 October 2025, provided funding remains available. Those who received assistance in HSF6 (October 2024 to March 2025) will not be eligible this round.
Applications Reopening in August
Applications for this latest round will officially reopen on 18 August 2025, according to RVBC. The process is designed to ensure the support reaches those in urgent need of help, particularly families who continue to face financial strain.
The scheme, funded through the DWP, has become a lifeline for many households across Lancashire. Local authorities stress that funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a focus on those who have not previously received aid in the most recent rounds.
By targeting its resources in this way, the Household Support Fund seeks to provide meaningful relief for vulnerable households while maintaining fairness and transparency in the allocation of public funds.
