Thousands of households across the UK are set to receive direct financial help with soaring energy costs, as a new round of pre-paid support cards launches this week.
Final Round of Household Support Fund Opens
The scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on behalf of the Labour government, will provide £90 virtual pre-paid cards specifically for energy bills. This initiative forms part of the wider Household Support Fund (HSF), designed to aid vulnerable residents struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Local authorities have confirmed that this will be the final allocation of HSF money. The support window for this winter will run from January to the end of February 2026.
How to Apply for the £90 Energy Card
The application process for Kent households will be conducted primarily online. The portal is scheduled to open at midday on Thursday 8 January 2026 and will close at 12 noon on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Officials have stressed that there is a limited pot of funding available, and grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one award will be granted per household, and duplicate applications from the same address will be rejected.
The council outlined the application method: "It offers an online public application route that enables individual self-referral, or professional referrals on behalf of individuals requiring digital assistance."
Support for Those Without Digital Access
Recognising that not all eligible residents may be able to apply online, the council has made alternative provisions. Applicants who lack internet access or a smartphone will be offered a food voucher instead, which can be delivered by post or email without the need for online security registration.
For those who are successful in applying for energy support, the £90 credit will be provided as a virtual card sent via email by the provider Evouchers.com. This card can be used to pay bills directly to a wide range of major energy suppliers.
The card is accepted by providers including British Gas, EDF, Eon, Bulb, Octopus, and many others, covering electricity, gas, or water bills. Residents are directed to online resources for help with redeeming their card or voucher.
