Thousands of households to get £195 of free supermarket vouchers
Low income households living in Wakefield will receive up to £195 in supermarket vouchers this year. Wakefield Council has confirmed the eligibility criteria for the latest round of the Household Support Fund scheme.
The Household Support Fund is funded by the central Government but the cash is given to local councils, who then distribute it to residents who are in need. The type of support offered is typically one-off payments, vouchers and help with bills.
Wakefield Council has decided to offer supermarket vouchers to households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. If you live in a household with someone of pension age, but you won't receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, then you will get £195 worth of vouchers.
These will be split into two instalments, starting with a £70 voucher in June, then a £125 voucher in November. If you're in a pensioner household and you will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you will get £140 of vouchers. You will get £70 in June, then £70 again in November.
If you're a family who is claiming Council Tax Support, you should have received a £40 voucher earlier this month. The council will then pay a £50 voucher in July, and another £50 in December. All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will get a £70 voucher in July, then another £70 in December. Here is how the support breaks down:
Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £40 (April 8 2025)
Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £50 (July 21, 2025)
Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £50 (December 15, 2025)
Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who still receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (June 30 to July 7, 2025)
Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who still receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (November 11 to November 13, 2025)
Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (June 30 to July 7, 2025
Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £125 (November 4 to November 6, 2025)
All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support - £70 (July 9 to July 18, 2025
All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support £70 (December 3 to December 12, 2025)
The Household Support Fund has been extended until March 31, 2026. If you're not a resident of Wakefield, it is worth contacting your local council to find out what help is available.
For example, Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council is handing out £150 cost of living payments to residents who are over 18 and facing financial hardship. The council is encouraging people to contact Citizens Advice East Berkshire if you think you may be eligible by calling 0808 278 7914.
You can also attend their drop-in service on Marlow Road, Maidenhead between 10am and midday on Mondays and Wednesdays. Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council is also providing food vouchers to families who are eligible for free school meals. These will be issued automatically.
Councillor Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing Services said: 'The Household Support Fund offers a lifeline for residents facing financial difficulties, including a one-off payment that can be used flexibly to have the greatest impact in their unique situation.
'The fund is just one of the ways that residents can access practical and financial help and advice across the borough, including one-to-one support to manage debt and identify additional sources of income, help to pay council tax and free skills training.
'I encourage anyone who is struggling financially to please reach out early so that we can connect you with local support.'
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