Thousands of households across England are being urged to check whether they qualify for £200 in cost-of-living support, offered under the Household Support Fund (HSF).
This localised relief aims to alleviate pressure on vulnerable households struggling with everyday essentials like food, energy, and water bills.
What Is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a £742 million government initiative (running from April 2025 to March 2026), distributed by local councils to assist needy households with essentials. The type and amount of support—including cash or vouchers—vary by location.
How Portsmouth Is Handling the Scheme
Portsmouth City Council’s Utilities Payment Scheme is a prime example of how this fund helps:
- Single-person households can receive £150, while couples or families may qualify for £200.
- Eligibility includes people such as pensioners receiving PIP, Attendance Allowance, carers, single parents on Universal Credit, care-experienced adults, and low-income working-age adults with limited capacity for work.
- Income thresholds apply: under £935/month for singles and £1,350/month for couples or families.
- Applicants must reside in certain Portsmouth postcode areas and apply by 12 noon, 27 October 2025—though funding may end earlier if depleted.
Support Trends Across Other Councils
| Council / Area | Support Offered | Eligibility Highlights | Deadline / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | £150 (single), £200 (couple/family) | Vulnerable groups; income limits; specific postcodes | Apply by 27 Oct 2025, subject to fund availability |
| Hull | £200 to pensioners; school uniform/food vouchers | Pensioners, low-income families | One-off payments via HSF |
| Birmingham | Up to £200 cash | Applied through local voluntary scheme | Applications open in June; one claim per 12-month period |
| West Midlands (via charity) | Up to £500 for families with children | Low-income households; first-come-first-served | Runs until end of September; via Act on Energy |
- Hull: Local council offers £200 to eligible pensioners, alongside vouchers for school uniforms and holiday meals.
- Birmingham: Applications are handled by the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, offering up to £200 cash per household, with restrictions on repeat claims
- West Midlands: The charity Act on Energy is offering up to £500, mainly to families with children, based on need and income.
Why This Support Matters
- With rising household costs, this funding gives crucial breathing space for energy, water, and food bills.
- Councils have flexibility to provide aid in forms that suit local needs including direct payments, vouchers, or partnership programs.
- The scheme provides vital assistance at a time when many families and individuals face financial strain.
The Household Support Fund is a lifeline for many as living costs continue to soar. With councils like Portsmouth, Hull, and Birmingham offering up to £200 in support, and even up to £500 through partnered charities, eligible households are strongly encouraged to apply promptly.
Check your local council’s website or call their help line to check eligibility and secure vital support before funding is exhausted.
FAQs
Eligibility varies by area, but typically includes low-income households, pensioners receiving certain benefits, carers, single parents, and residents with disabilities. Income thresholds apply.
Both options exist. Some councils, like Portsmouth, offer direct cash payments, while others provide vouchers or energy support depending on local criteria.
Most schemes run until March 2026, but councils like Portsmouth have earlier departmental deadlines—for Portsmouth, it’s 12 noon on 27 October 2025 or sooner if funds run out.