Thousands of families across the UK will get a helpful financial boost in August 2025, thanks to the Household Support Fund (HSF). With cost-of-living pressures continuing, this government-funded program provides essential aid to households struggling with food, energy bills, and daily expenses. Depending on your location and circumstances, you could receive £90 or more—some councils are offering up to £275 worth of help through vouchers, cash, and other support.
Overview
The Household Support Fund was launched in 2021 to ease the burden on low-income and vulnerable households. It has since become a key part of the UK’s social support system. The fund has been extended until March 2026, and many councils are now preparing to distribute their next round of support.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Support Amount | £90 to £275 depending on location and need |
| Payment Type | Supermarket vouchers, cash grants, or bill credits |
| Payment Start | August 2025 |
| Eligible Groups | Families on benefits, pensioners, low-income earners |
| Application Method | Online via local councils or auto-issued in some areas |
| End of Program | March 2026 |
Importance
August is a critical time for many households. Children are home more, meaning food and activity costs rise. At the same time, utility bills remain high and wages have not kept pace with inflation. For these reasons, the £90 support (or more) can be a lifeline for struggling families.
Even small amounts make a big difference when used wisely—like on food staples, utility top-ups, or unexpected school expenses.
Eligibility
Eligibility is mostly determined by your local council, but here are the groups most likely to qualify:
- Families on Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, or similar benefits
- Low-income households not claiming benefits but facing financial strain
- Parents of children receiving free school meals
- Pensioners, especially those over 80 or living alone
- Disabled individuals and unpaid carers
For example, if you live in Cambridgeshire and have two children on free school meals, you could receive vouchers plus an additional one-time payment of £110—totalling up to £275 in support.
Support
Councils have some flexibility in how they distribute their portion of the fund. Here are some of the most common support types:
- Supermarket vouchers for food and essentials
- Energy bill assistance, either as a grant or payment to your supplier
- Household essentials, such as help purchasing a fridge, bed, or other basic items
- Council tax or rent help, in the form of reductions or short-term support
Check your council’s website to see which options are available in your area.
Apply
Applying for the Household Support Fund is usually quick and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Find your local council
- Use the government’s council finder at: gov.uk/find-local-council
- Search your council’s site
- Look for terms like “Household Support Fund” or “Cost of Living Support”
- Review the eligibility criteria
- Each council sets its own income thresholds and priority groups
- Complete the application
- Submit required documents like:
- Benefit award letters
- Proof of income (bank statements or wage slips)
- ID (passport or utility bill)
- Submit required documents like:
- Wait for processing
- Most councils respond in 2–3 weeks
In some cases, you may not need to apply. Councils often issue vouchers automatically to households already on certain benefits or Council Tax Support.
Examples
Here are some councils and what they’re offering in August 2025:
| Council | Support Offered |
|---|---|
| Wakefield | £195 supermarket voucher for low-income families |
| Cambridgeshire | Up to £275 for households with children |
| Rotherham | £250 grant for energy bills |
| St. Helens | £300 payment for over-80s for winter preparation |
Each council will post updates on their website, so it’s a good idea to check regularly or sign up for alerts.
Tips
Once you receive the payment, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Use supermarket vouchers for bulk buys like rice, pasta, and frozen food
- Pay off essential bills first—especially gas and electricity
- Save a portion if you can to avoid relying on credit later
- Look into additional support from local charities or food banks
- Ask your school about summer activity vouchers or meal plans
Budgeting well now can help reduce stress as we move into the colder months.
FAQs
How much can I get from the HSF?
Anywhere from £90 to £275 depending on your council and situation.
Do I need to apply for the £90 payment?
Some councils issue it automatically, others require an application.
Where can I apply for HSF support?
Visit your local council’s website or use gov.uk to find it.
Can pensioners receive support?
Yes, especially those over 80 or in financial hardship.
What documents do I need to apply?
Benefit letters, proof of income, ID, and household bills.
