HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit can apply for free vouchers worth up to £120 within weeks.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, a giant £742million fund which has been made available to councils in England.
1
Local authorities have until March 31, 2026, to allocate their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria.
Some councils have already starting distributing their share through cash bank transfers and vouchers while some are yet to.
Middlesbrough Council has started dishing out help to residents to cover energy bills, food and other essential costs.
The support is being released in a staggered approach based on residents’ personal circumstances.
Households on benefits without children are eligible for up to £55 vouchers and can apply from November.
Meanwhile, struggling households not on benefits can apply for £100 vouchers this month.
Plus, households with children and getting any number of benefits, including Universal Credit, are eligible for £60 vouchers per child, meaning a family with two children could get £120.
Residents can apply from July if their child is not on benefits-related free school meals but they’re receiving one of the following:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
We have asked Middlesbrough Council how residents can cash the £60 vouchers and how many are eligible to apply and will update this story when we have heard back.
Further details on how households can apply from July are yet to be revealed.
It’s worth keeping an eye on the council’s website for more details though – www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/support-payments/household-support-fund.
Households with children who meet the free school meals eligibility criteria will also get vouchers worth £60 per child.
The vouchers will be issued automatically for this group, in July, rather than them having to apply.
Older households in Middlesbrough not eligible for Winter Fuel Payments also qualify for free £100 payments.
Letters will be sent to households who may be eligible in November with applications opening in the same month.
Can I get help if I live outside Middlesbrough?
Put simply, yes. However, it will depend on your circumstances and where you live.
The Household Support Fund was set up to help households cover essentials such as energy or water bills and food costs.
But, each council can set its own eligibility criteria meaning whether you qualify for help is a postcode lottery.
That said, funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or struggling to pay for essentials.
So, if you are financially hard-up or on benefits, it is likely you will be able to get help.
It’s worth bearing in mind, any help you receive via the Household Support Fund won’t affect your benefit payments.
The type of help on offer varies from supermarket vouchers to direct cash payments into your bank account.
Some councils are allocating their share of the fund to community groups and charities who you have to get in touch with.
If you’re on benefits, have limited savings, or are struggling to cover food and energy bills, it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible for help.
Contact your local council and see if you have to apply or whether support is being distributed automatically.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the government’s council locator tool – www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
The current round runs until the end of March 2026.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
