Overview

• The UK Government has allocated £742 million to the Household Support Fund to help low-income households cover essentials like food, energy and water bills.
• Local authorities set their own eligibility criteria and require applicants to provide income evidence, bank details and an explanation of financial hardship.
• Portsmouth City Council’s application window closes at noon on June 12, and other councils may shut theirs early if they exhaust their allocations.
• Base payments start at £350 for single-person households and rise to £800 for six or more members, with an extra £200 top-up for those deemed in highest need.
• Payment methods vary by area, with some councils offering direct cash transfers, others distributing vouchers, and places like Doncaster and Middlesbrough capping support at £300 and £120 respectively.