Portsmouth City Council is encouraging thousands of households to verify their eligibility for receiving up to £200 in support related to the cost of living. This assistance is provided through the Household Support Fund, a financial aid program aimed at assisting vulnerable households in covering expenses like food, energy, and water bills.
The support offered by the council varies depending on the household composition, with single-person households eligible for £150, while couples or families can receive £200. To qualify for this aid, households must have an income below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples or families, including single parents, and reside in specific postcode districts within Portsmouth.
Applications for this support must be submitted by October 27, 2025, although the program might close earlier if all funds are allocated before the deadline. For those not residing in Portsmouth, it is advisable to explore the support options available through the Household Support Fund provided by their local council.
In a similar initiative, Wealden District Council is offering £200 payments to individuals receiving Universal Credit with additional benefits like Housing Costs element, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or Severe Mental Impairment exemption. The application period for new claims is open until September 30, 2025, with a second window available from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, for any remaining eligible applicants.
Additionally, West Berkshire Council is providing cash assistance to households facing financial crisis, offering £300 to households with three or more children, £250 for those with one to two children, and £150 for households without children. Ribble Valley Borough Council is distributing food vouchers to eligible households earning less than £35,000 annually, with varying amounts based on household composition.
Households may receive different amounts based on their circumstances, such as £200 for individuals living alone, £300 for households with two or more adults, and £500 for households with children. It is essential to check with the respective local council for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines related to the Household Support Fund.
