Time is running out for struggling households in Portsmouth to secure vital financial help with soaring energy and water costs. The local council is issuing one-off payments of up to £200, but the application window closes at 12 noon on January 29, 2026.
What is the Portsmouth Household Support Fund?
The money forms part of the national Household Support Fund, a government pot of cash granted to local authorities to distribute to residents in financial difficulty. The type and amount of support varies significantly across the country, with some councils offering direct payments and others providing vouchers.
In Portsmouth, the scheme offers £150 for a single-person household and £200 for a couple or family. To qualify, applicants must be finding it hard to pay their bills and fall into specific categories.
Who is Eligible in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth City Council has set clear eligibility criteria. You must belong to one of the following groups:
- A pensioner who receives a disability benefit.
- A carer or caring household receiving Carer’s Allowance or the Carers Element of Universal Credit.
- A care leaver or care-experienced adult.
- A low-income working-age adult unable to work, specifically those with Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) who do not get Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- A single parent receiving Universal Credit that includes both a child element and a housing costs element.
Furthermore, your total household income must be below £935 for a single adult or £1,350 for a couple. All applications must be submitted online via the council's website before the deadline.
Support Available in Other UK Councils
If you don't live in Portsmouth, it is crucial to check what your own local council is offering through the same fund, as schemes differ widely.
Camden Council is providing emergency payments of £500 to residents who face a financial crisis and cannot afford essentials. Applicants must have lived in Camden for at least six weeks, be the main tenant or council tax payer, and share recent bank statements and details of their income.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing two £60 vouchers to around 6,000 pensioner households receiving Council Tax Reduction in early January. A separate one-off £120 payment is available for low-income residents who pay energy bills but do not get Council Tax Reduction.
Meanwhile, City of York Council is handing out £100 one-off payments this winter to nearly 5,000 residents who receive help with their council tax. The council has sent letters with a unique reference number to eligible households to facilitate the online application.
Act Now Before Time Runs Out
With the cost of living crisis continuing to squeeze budgets, these localised funds represent a critical lifeline for many. The key message for Portsmouth residents is urgent: the deadline of January 29, 2026, is fast approaching. For those elsewhere, a quick check of your local authority's website could reveal similar support you may be entitled to claim.
