Thousands of households in Portsmouth are set to receive a vital financial boost, with £200 Cost of Living payments now available for those claiming benefits including Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance.
Who is Eligible for the Portsmouth Payment?
The support comes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund and is being administered locally. The scheme targets several vulnerable groups struggling with ongoing living costs.
Eligibility extends to a specific list of residents. This includes state pensioners who also receive a disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance.
Carers are a key focus, with households receiving either Carer’s Allowance or the Carers Element within Universal Credit qualifying. The local authority has also confirmed that care leavers and care experienced adults can apply.
Furthermore, low-income working-aged adults who are unable to work due to having a Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) and who do not receive PIP are included. Single parents on Universal Credit, where the claim includes both a child element and housing costs, are also eligible. This covers those in temporary council accommodation who pay their own utility bills.
Income Limits and Application Details
Crucially, strict household income limits apply. Your total net income from earnings and pensions (excluding benefits) in the month before applying must be below £935 for a single adult or £1,350 for a couple.
Applications opened on 08 December 2025 and will run until 12:00 noon on Thursday 29 January 2026. However, due to limited funding, the scheme may close earlier if all the money is allocated. Applicants must live in specific Portsmouth postcodes: PO1 to PO6, or certain PO7 codes (5AT, 5AU, 5AX, 5AY, 5AZ, 5BA, 5BS, 5BT, 5BU).
To secure the one-off Household Support Fund Utilities Payment, applicants must be over 16 and ensure they submit a complete application with all required evidence before the deadline.
A Critical Lifeline for Local Residents
This targeted payment represents a crucial intervention for many in Portsmouth facing sustained financial pressure. By focusing on carers, disabled individuals, single parents, and those with limited capacity to work, the fund aims to plug gaps in existing support.
Residents are urged to check their eligibility promptly and gather the necessary documentation to apply. With the potential for early closure, acting quickly is essential to access this £200 support payment designed to help with essential utility and living costs.
