Thousands of Brits could land a financial boost from their local council this month. Across the country, several local authorities will hand out cash from the Household Support Fund, a Government scheme designed to help vulnerable families with the cost of living.

The fund, worth £742million and allocated to councils across England, runs until March 31, 2026, so Brits need to act fast if they’re eligible and want to claim. The support typically includes assistance with essential costs such as groceries, toiletries, and warm clothing, as well as help with energy bills. Councils may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays. Payment amounts vary, but some can be worth up to £300. Guidance on the Government website reads: “Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme.”

Councils offer varying levels of support with different eligibility criteria. Check your local council’s website to find out if you qualify.

Newcastle City Council is offering vulnerable Brits up to £300 payments. Its website reads: “We have limited funding to help residents who are suffering from significant financial difficulty.

“Only one payment will be made per household. The amount will be £200, or £300 if you receive Child Benefit for someone living in your household.”

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident in Newcastle upon Tyne, and
• Be the main householder (i.e. responsible for the household bills), and
• Have a deficit in your budget (i.e. have more money going out than coming in), and
• Seek advice from one of our Advice Compact partners to address the issues causing the deficit in budget

Kent County Council is offering households £90 payments.

A statement on its website reads: “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.”

To be eligible for the money, you will need to meet certain criteria.

Nottingham City Council offers crisis support for residents with their energy costs through online applications for two £49 Energy Vouchers.

The next round of applications opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, and closes on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at midnight.

It also offers Household Support Fund applications for supermarket vouchers, with a new date to be announced soon for February 2026.

On its website, it says: “Nottingham City Council will be helping Nottingham residents again by providing another £1.5 million of supermarket and energy vouchers for extra support over the winter months, made possible by the Government’s Household Support Fund.”

If you need support, check what your local council has on offer by visiting their website.