Eligible households in Kent receive £90 vouchers for supermarkets or energy bills as part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Household Support Fund. This initiative draws from a £742 million fund allocated to local councils across England to assist families facing rising living costs, particularly energy and food expenses, through March 31, 2026.
Support Scheme in Kent
Kent County Council distributes these vouchers to households struggling with increased expenses. Qualification requires receipt of means-tested benefits or an annual household income of £33,000 or less. Residents meeting the criteria apply through the council’s website, receiving vouchers via email, SMS, or post.
Kent County Council states: “If you qualify, we will issue your household with either an energy voucher or supermarket food voucher to the value of £90 which can be redeemed towards your energy costs, food and essential household items. This funding is for those in need and for those who are struggling with rising living costs. One application is permitted per household. Applicants are reminded that this is taxpayers’ money so please spend it wisely on food and essential household items only. We will send the vouchers to you either by email or SMS text, directly from our voucher partner Evouchers.com. If you don’t have access to the internet or email, the vouchers can be posted to your home address. Energy support is only available to applicants who are the named energy bill payer and have email and smartphone access. Postal vouchers will take additional time to process and will be sent via recorded delivery, for which a signature will be required.”
Regional Variations in Cost-of-Living Aid
Local councils in England manage the Household Support Fund independently, leading to diverse support options and eligibility rules nationwide. Some distribute funds via charities or community groups, while others restrict applications to one per household annually.
Examples include:
- Staffordshire households qualify for a one-time £300 utility payment directly to providers.
- Calderdale residents receive up to two £85 payments, totaling £170.
- State Pension age residents in North Lincolnshire get free air fryers, slow cookers, and kettles.
- Nottingham households in the East Midlands apply for £100 supermarket vouchers.
- Doncaster Council in South Yorkshire offers eligible families up to £300 for food or £100 for energy bills.
- Cambridgeshire County Council provides £110 via direct payments or supermarket vouchers.
- Manchester residents on Council Tax support and disability benefits receive up to £130 for living costs.
Support availability depends on location, with councils tailoring aid to local needs.
