The money is being issued as part of the Household Support Fund, which is a pot of cash granted to local authorities to give to struggling residents
Low income households in Portsmouth may be eligible for up to £200 free help with rising energy and water bills – and the deadline is this month.
The money is being issued by Portsmouth City Council as part of the Household Support Fund, which is a pot of cash granted to local authorities to give to struggling residents.
The support on offer does vary across the country. Some councils decide to hand out cash payments, while others may provide vouchers.
Portsmouth City Council is offering £150 for a single person household and £200 for a couple or family, if you are struggling to pay their bills.
You must fall into one of the following categories:
- Pensioner receiving a disability benefit
- Carer or caring household receiving either Carer’s Allowance or the Carers Element of Universal Credit
- Care leaver or care experienced adults
- Low-income working aged adult who is unable to work, specifically those with Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) who are not receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Single parent receiving Universal Credit, which includes both a child element and a housing costs element — including those living in temporary council accommodation where they pay their own utility bills
Your household income must also be below £935 for a single adult household or £1,350 for a couple. You must apply online by 12 noon on January 29, 2026.
If you don’t live in Portsmouth, it is worth checking what support your local council can offer you through the Household Support Fund.
Camden Council is issuing payments worth £500 to people who are in an emergency financial situation and don’t have the money to pay for essentials.
You can apply online on the Camden Council website through its Money Advice Service team. You may be eligible for support if you are struggling financially and you have lived in Camden for at least six weeks.
You must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old and living independently, and be the main tenant or council tax payer. All applicants will have to share their most recent bank statements, as well as details of your income, savings and any benefits you receive.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will be distributing two £60 vouchers to around 6,000 households with pensioners who receive Council Tax Reduction in the first two weeks of January.
One-off payments of £120 are also available for residents who are on a low income, pay energy bills and do not receive Council Tax Reduction.
City of York Council is handing out one-off £100 payments this winter. You will be eligible for the cash if you are receiving help with your council tax bill.
Almost 5,000 York residents are eligible for the payment, with letters having already been sent by the council to households. The letter includes a web address link and a unique reference number for people to apply online.
