The household support fund is money that government has given local councils so they can support the most vulnerable residents with essential daily costs, like buying food and energy bills.
We have been contacting eligible residents to let them know how the funding will help them and making sure that the money reaches the right people.
We are now inviting people to apply for help through three new schemes that provide support to people who missed out on some of the earlier local and national schemes.
The information about the Household Support Fund is for people living in the Portsmouth City Council area, PO1 to PO6. If you live in Hampshire, you can find out about support in your area on the Hampshire County Council site..
Vouchers for families with children
In December, families in Portsmouth with children eligible for free school meals, early years pupil premium or two year old childcare funding, were given supermarket vouchers to help with the rising cost of living.
We’re now launching a voucher scheme for other low-income families with children, or families expecting children, who didn’t qualify for previous schemes. This is called the household support fund family voucher scheme.
Help for people in cold homes
If you’re below state pension age and receive Disability Living Allowance (either for yourself or a child) or Personal Independence Payments, you could qualify for our new warm home payment for disabled people. You will be able to apply for £150 to help with your energy costs. The scheme is not yet open for applications, but you can leave your email address to be notified when it opens.
We’re also using household support funding to give more people access to home energy advice visits. To find out how to save energy and money, visit Switched on Portsmouth or call the freephone helpline on 0800 260 5907.
Other support
If you first claimed a means-tested benefit after 26 September 2022, or if you receive Housing Benefit and no other means-tested income benefit, you could qualify for our new £120 cost of living payment. The scheme is not yet open for applications, but you can leave your email address to be notified when it opens.
We’re also providing funding for local organisations that are already supporting people with the cost of living, including foodbanks and community pantries, to help their work. Local services are listed at our Help with Food webpage.
Find advice and help
Portsmouth City Council has launched a new online cost of living hub and helpline, to support residents who are worried about money.
You can also find free money advice and see where to get support on our money advice page. This advice can help you save money, deal with debt and make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.
If you are struggling to afford food, look at our directory for local and national services that could help.
For advice on how to save energy and cut the cost of gas and electricity bills, you can visit Switched on Portsmouth.
The HIVE directory is a great place to find local groups and organisations supporting our communities across Portsmouth.