Thousands of households across Kent are receiving a vital financial boost this week as new Cost of Living payments worth £90 are being issued. The support comes via the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Household Support Fund, a scheme designed to help those struggling with essential costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the £90 Voucher
The scheme is targeted at residents who are feeling the pinch. To qualify, you must be aged 16 or over and be a permanent resident within one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council. This specifically excludes Medway, Bexley, and Bromley.
Applicants must also be in receipt of means-tested benefits. However, there is an alternative income threshold for those not on such benefits. If your total household income is £33,000 or less per year, you may still be eligible for assistance.
Kent Council has stated it will verify residency against the live DWP database and may ask for additional proof, such as a recent bill or bank statement. Professionals applying on someone else's behalf must ensure the applicant meets all criteria.
How the Support is Delivered and Key Exceptions
For successful applicants, the council will issue a voucher to the value of £90. This can be either an energy voucher or a supermarket food voucher, redeemable towards energy costs, food, and essential household items.
It is important to note a significant exception to this scheme. Families whose children are eligible for free school meals are excluded, as they will receive separate food voucher and holiday support funded by the same Household Support Fund. This separate support will be provided via their child’s school. The council advises parents to contact their child's school directly if they believe they are entitled to this specific help.
Application Window and Urgent Advice
The application process for this round of funding is time-sensitive. The scheme provisionally opened for online applications at midday on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
It is currently scheduled to close at 12 noon on Thursday, 26 February 2026. However, the council warns that these dates are subject to change at short notice. Crucially, the scheme may close earlier if all the available Household Support Fund money is allocated.
Therefore, the local authority strongly recommends that eligible residents submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing out on this crucial financial support during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
