Starting Wednesday, eligible UK households will receive £70 Cost of Living vouchers as part of a new support initiative announced by the government. This funding is allocated through the Household Support Fund, managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aimed at helping families cover essential expenses such as gas, electricity, and groceries during the period from April 2025 to March 2026.
Wakefield Council confirmed that these supermarket vouchers will be automatically issued to households receiving Council Tax Support, eliminating the need for an application. Those eligible can expect to receive their vouchers by December 3, with a delivery window of up to 14 days.
The vouchers can be redeemed using instructions included in the accompanying letter and can be spent in multiple transactions until the full amount is used. Importantly, receiving these vouchers will not impact eligibility for other benefits.
READ MORE: UK Faces 20cm Snowfall as All Four Home Nations Brace for Winter Weather
READ MORE: All regions of England brace for snow within 72 hours as Arctic blast arrives
It’s important to note that the Household Support Fund does not cover cash payments, mortgage or rent costs, housing arrears, non-essential items like furniture or TVs, or debt repayments such as loans and credit cards.
To be eligible, applicants must live in the Wakefield district, be over 16, live independently, and be responsible for their home bills. Applicants should be on a low income without enough funds to cover essential bills, with savings under £6,000—as proof will be required. The council may also provide support in case of emergencies or crises, and those with no recourse to public funds might still qualify.
This initiative seeks to provide timely financial relief to the most vulnerable households struggling with the rising cost of living.