Thousands of households are being encouraged to verify their eligibility for potential support of up to £200 in cost of living assistance. Portsmouth City Council is administering this aid through the Household Support Fund, which provides financial aid to vulnerable households for expenses like food, energy, and water bills.
The type of assistance, whether vouchers or cash payments, varies among different councils, with each local authority determining the form of support they offer. Portsmouth City Council, for instance, is granting £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families. Eligibility criteria include a household income below £935 for single adults or £1,350 for couples or families, including single-parent households.
Residents must reside in specific postcode districts, such as PO1 to PO6 and others listed. The deadline to apply for this support is October 27, 2025, subject to potential early closure if funds are fully allocated. Individuals outside Portsmouth should explore similar support options available through their local councils via the Household Support Fund.
For instance, Wealden District Council is providing £200 payments to individuals receiving Universal Credit with additional qualifying elements. Applications can be submitted between now and September 30, 2025, for individuals who did not receive previous support. A second application window is scheduled from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, for any remaining eligible claims.
West Berkshire Council is providing cash aid to households facing crises, with £300 allocated to households with three or more children. Other households may receive £250 for one to two children or £150 for households without children. Ribble Valley Borough Council is offering food vouchers to eligible households with a combined annual income below £35,000.
The voucher amounts differ based on household composition, ranging from £200 for individuals to £500 for households with children.