Kent County Council will begin accepting applications for new £90 Cost of Living payments starting at midday on Thursday, January 8. This support comes through the Labour Party government’s Household Support Fund, offering prepaid energy cards to eligible households across Kent.
Residents aged 16 and over, living permanently within one of the 12 local authorities managed by Kent County Council (excluding Medway, Bexley, and Bromley), may qualify. Eligibility includes receipt of means-tested benefits or, if not on benefits, a household income of £33,000 or less per year, provided the household is not eligible for free school meals.
To verify eligibility, the council will check residency against the Department for Work and Pensions database and may request additional documents such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. Professionals applying on behalf of others must ensure that all criteria are met.
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Families already eligible for free school meals will not be included in this scheme, as they receive food vouchers and holiday support through their child’s school funded by the Household Support Fund. Parents unsure of their eligibility are advised to contact their child’s school directly.
Qualified households will receive either an energy voucher or a supermarket food voucher worth £90. These vouchers can be used to offset energy expenses, purchase food, or obtain essential household items. The council emphasizes that this funding is specifically intended for those struggling with rising living costs and urges recipients to use it responsibly.
Applications are limited to one per household. Vouchers will primarily be distributed via email or SMS through Evouchers.com. For applicants without internet or email access, postal delivery is available but may take longer and requires a signature upon receipt. Notably, energy support vouchers are only available to the named energy bill payer with access to email and a smartphone.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to alleviate financial pressure on vulnerable households amid a challenging economic environment.