Kim
As rising prices continue to strain household budgets across the UK, new £500 cost of living vouchers have been announced to support lower-income families.
The initiative is part of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which has now been extended for another year—bringing fresh relief for qualifying residents, especially those earning less than £35,000 annually.
This article outlines who qualifies, how much support is available, the important dates to remember, and how the scheme is being administered in local areas like Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC).
What Is the £500 Cost of Living Voucher?
The £500 cost of living voucher is a non-repayable grant issued to help with essential household costs like food, utilities, and other day-to-day expenses.
This aid is part of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which was originally launched in October 2021 to support vulnerable households during periods of financial strain, especially in winter.
Now entering its seventh round, the 2025–26 phase of HSF provides targeted financial assistance to those in greatest need. The latest funding round officially begins on 1 April 2025 and continues through 31 March 2026.
How Much Can You Get?
Eligible households can receive one of the following voucher amounts, depending on household composition:
| Household Type | Voucher Amount |
|---|---|
| Single adult household | £200 |
| Two or more adults (no children) | £300 |
| Households with children | £500 |
A household with children includes anyone under 19 or those over 19 receiving child-related benefits such as Child Benefit or Free School Meals (FSM).
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a voucher under the HSF 2025–26 round, households must:
- Be UK residents
- Have a combined gross income under £35,000 annually
- Be struggling financially with essentials like food or utility bills
Additional eligibility conditions include:
- Households who received a voucher under HSF6 (Oct 2024–Mar 2025) are not eligible for this round
- Households who received HSF5 vouchers (Apr–Sep 2024) can only apply after 1 October 2025, subject to funding availability
- Only one application per household is permitted during each eligible round
Key Dates for Application
Applications for the voucher will be open in two phases, depending on funding:
| Phase | Application Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase | 18 June 2025 – 11 July 2025 | May close earlier if funding runs out |
| Second Phase (if funds remain) | Starts 18 August 2025 | Closes when funds are fully exhausted |
Applications must be submitted via your local council’s portal—for example, Lancashire residents can apply through Lancashire County Council’s online system.
Local Authority Funding Breakdown
Under the latest funding extension:
- Lancashire County Council has received £17,057,602.21
- Of this, £158,983.89 has been allocated to Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC) for direct distribution
- The funding is meant to be “passported”—meaning councils will issue vouchers directly to eligible applicants
These vouchers are being prioritized for food and basic household essentials to help residents during cost-of-living crises.
How to Apply for the £500 Voucher
To apply:
- Visit your local council’s website
- Find the dedicated Household Support Fund application portal
- Provide required income verification, household composition, and contact information
- Submit your application between the valid dates
Note: Applications will close early if funds are fully distributed, so apply as soon as possible once your window opens.
What You Should Know
- No repayment is required for these vouchers
- They are not considered taxable income
- Funds are issued as digital food vouchers or pre-paid cards, depending on your local council
- Voucher use is typically restricted to essentials (e.g., groceries, heating, electricity)
The launch of the £500 cost of living voucher under the 2025–26 Household Support Fund brings much-needed relief to UK residents facing financial pressure.
With rising household expenses and inflation impacting low-to-middle-income earners, this scheme is a critical lifeline for families earning under £35,000.
Eligible applicants should mark their calendars for June 18, 2025, and apply promptly to secure support.
The initiative represents a continued commitment from both local and national governments to shield vulnerable communities from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
FAQs
Can I apply for the £500 voucher if I received one in the last round?
If you received a voucher during HSF6 (October 2024 – March 2025), you are not eligible for this current round. If you received one under HSF5, you must wait until after 1 October 2025.
Is this a one-time voucher or will it be repeated?
The voucher is a one-off payment under the current round. Future eligibility will depend on remaining funding and new announcements from the council or government.
What if I don’t apply before July 11, 2025?
If you miss the first application window and funds remain, you may apply starting August 18, 2025, until the funding is fully used.