Thousands of UK households are set to benefit from a new £150 Cost of Living Voucher, designed to help with rising expenses during the ongoing economic crisis. The initiative, part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), aims to support vulnerable families struggling to cover essential costs such as food and energy bills.
Local councils are responsible for distributing the vouchers, meaning eligibility criteria and application processes vary by region. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how to claim the support, and where you can spend the vouchers.
What Is the £150 Cost of Living Voucher?
The UK government has allocated funding through the Household Support Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to low-income households. Many local councils are distributing part of these funds in the form of £150 supermarket vouchers, allowing struggling residents to buy essentials such as food and household goods.
This support is one of many cost-of-living measures introduced to ease the financial strain caused by rising inflation, energy prices, and food costs.
Key Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline for claiming | Varies by local council; some as early as March 31, 2025 |
| Voucher type | E-vouchers or physical vouchers for supermarket use |
| Spending restrictions | Limited to essential purchases; cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, or non-essential items |
Who Is Eligible for the £150 Voucher?
Eligibility criteria differ across councils, but generally, the vouchers are intended for:
- Low-income households
- Pensioners not receiving Pension Credit
- People on certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance
- Carers or individuals with disabilities
For example, North Yorkshire County Council has issued £150 supermarket e-vouchers to eligible residents, with a claim deadline of February 13, 2025. Meanwhile, Cheshire West and Chester Council has offered up to £200 in financial support, urging recipients to confirm their eligibility before March 31, 2025.
How to Apply for the £150 Cost of Living Voucher
Since each local authority manages its own scheme, there isn’t a single nationwide application process. However, most councils follow these steps:
- Automatic Issuance – Some councils automatically send vouchers to eligible households based on existing benefit records.
- Notification Letter – Residents may receive a letter, email, or text message with instructions on how to claim.
- Online or Phone Application – In some areas, individuals need to apply manually through their local council’s website or call a designated helpline.
- Proof of Eligibility – Applicants may need to provide documents such as benefit statements, tax credit letters, or bank statements.
To check if your area is offering the £150 voucher and to apply, visit your local council’s website via the official UK government site: www.gov.uk/cost-of-living-payment.
Where Can You Spend the £150 Voucher?
The vouchers are primarily intended for supermarkets and essential retailers. Depending on your local council’s agreement, you may be able to use them at major chains such as:
- Asda
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Morrisons
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Waitrose
- Marks & Spencer
Before shopping, check if your council has a list of approved retailers where the vouchers can be redeemed.
Other Cost of Living Support Available in the UK
If you are not eligible for the £150 Cost of Living Voucher, there are alternative support options available:
- Warm Home Discount – A £150 credit on energy bills for eligible low-income households
- Winter Fuel Payment – A tax-free payment of £100 to £300 for pensioners to help with heating costs.
- Cold Weather Payment – A £25 payment for each 7-day period of freezing temperatures.
- Food Bank Vouchers – Available from local charities, GPs, and social workers. Visit the Trussell Trust to locate food banks near you
Conclusion
The £150 Cost of Living Voucher is a vital support measure for UK households facing financial difficulties. With varying eligibility criteria and deadlines set by local councils, it is crucial to check with your local authority as soon as possible to claim your voucher. The funds can be used for essential purchases at major supermarkets, ensuring that struggling families receive much-needed assistance.
For those who do not qualify, alternative cost-of-living support programs such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and food bank vouchers are available. Stay informed and take action before deadlines expire to make the most of the support available.
Pankaj Kumar is a journalist at Chandigarh X, covering admit cards, recruitment, and government schemes. His articles provide readers with detailed insights into application processes, eligibility, and exam updates.
Outside of work, Pankaj enjoys traveling, fitness, and cricket, often participating in local matches on weekends.