Thousands of households in Surrey will be able to apply for a new financial support payment designed to help with the rising cost of essentials, with the application window opening at 1pm on Monday 5th January 2026.
What is the Everyday Essentials E-Voucher Scheme?
The new initiative, launched by Surrey County Council, is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund. It aims to provide direct help to residents who are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, toiletries, and period products.
There are two levels of one-off support available, with only one e-voucher permitted per household. Single-person households can claim £200, while households with children are eligible for £300.
Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
To qualify for the voucher, applicants must be a resident of Surrey, aged 18 or over. The scheme targets those on lower incomes, with specific financial thresholds in place.
Your average household savings must be £2,000 or less over a 90-day period, and your total annual household income before tax must be under £27,007.50. The council has stated it will need to understand your financial circumstances, including details of a partner's income and benefits if you live together.
"You will need to be able to provide evidence, if requested, of your household’s income and benefits and explain why you are making this application for support," a council spokesperson said.
Application Windows and Key Dates
The scheme will operate through monthly application windows from Wednesday 1st October 2025 until Tuesday 31st March 2026. The first window for 2026 opens on 5th January at 1pm.
Applications will be accepted on weekdays (Monday to Friday) only, until the funding allocated for that particular month is exhausted. The window will then close until the following month.
It is crucial to apply promptly, as the entire scheme will close on 31st March 2026 or earlier if all the available funds are allocated. Successful applicants will receive an e-voucher redeemable at a supermarket of their choice to buy everyday essentials.
