Portsmouth City Council is urging households to verify their eligibility for potential support of up to £200 to help with the cost of living. The assistance is part of the Household Support Fund, a financial aid initiative for vulnerable households to cover expenses such as food, energy, and water bills.
Various councils offer aid in the form of vouchers or direct cash payments, with each local authority determining the type of assistance provided. In the case of Portsmouth City Council, £150 is allocated to single-person households, while couples or families receive £200. To qualify for this aid, households must have an income below £935 for a single adult or £1,350 for a couple or family, including single-parent families.
Additionally, residents must reside in specific postcode districts within Portsmouth. The application deadline for this support is October 27, 2025, although the program may close earlier if all funds are disbursed before the specified date. Non-Portsmouth residents are encouraged to explore support options available through their respective local councils under the Household Support Fund.
Other councils, such as Wealden District Council and West Berkshire Council, are also providing financial assistance through similar schemes. Eligible individuals can apply for support within specified timeframes, with different payment amounts based on household composition and income levels. Ribble Valley Borough Council, for instance, is offering food vouchers to qualifying households with an annual income below £35,000.
Residents are advised to check with their local council to determine eligibility and apply for available support under the Household Support Fund or similar programs.