Thousands of households in Kent are set to receive a financial boost from today, as a new round of £90 shopping and energy vouchers begins distribution. The support comes from the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Household Support Fund, a nationwide scheme designed to help vulnerable families through the winter.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The DWP's Household Support Fund is a £742 million pot of money allocated to local councils across England. Its primary purpose is to assist residents struggling with essential living costs, particularly energy and food bills, during the colder months. The current funding period runs until March 31, 2026.
It is crucial to understand that each local authority decides independently how to distribute its share of the fund. This means eligibility rules, application processes, and the type of support offered can vary dramatically depending on where you live in the country.
Kent's £90 Voucher Scheme: Key Details
In Kent, the county council reopened its application process on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The council is issuing single payments in the form of vouchers worth £90 per eligible household.
To qualify, households must be finding it hard to cope with rising costs. This includes people receiving means-tested benefits, or those with a total household income of £33,000 or less per year.
The vouchers are versatile and can be used in two key ways:
- To help pay for energy costs.
- To spend on food and essential household items at participating supermarkets.
Kent County Council has stated clearly that only one application per household is permitted. Applicants are reminded that the funding comes from taxpayers and should be spent wisely on essentials.
How to Apply and Receive Vouchers in Kent
Eligible residents in Kent need to apply through the council's official website. Successful applicants will receive their £90 voucher via email or SMS text message from the council's voucher partner, Evouchers.com.
For those without internet or email access, postal vouchers are available but will take longer to process and will require a signature upon delivery. The council has specified that energy bill support is only available to the named account holder who has email and smartphone access.
Support Varies Across the UK
While Kent launches its £90 voucher scheme, other local authorities are deploying the Household Support Fund in different ways. This underscores the importance of checking what is available in your specific area.
Examples of other support packages currently available include:
- In Staffordshire, eligible households can get a one-off £300 payment made directly to their utility provider.
- Residents in Calderdale can access up to two payments of £85, totalling £170.
- Leicestershire County Council is offering fuel vouchers worth up to £98.
- In Cambridgeshire, support comes as £110 direct payments or supermarket vouchers.
Some councils may distribute funds through local charities or community groups instead of direct applications. The timing of payments also differs, meaning some households may have already received support before Christmas, while others are just applying now.
The rollout of these vouchers in Kent marks a significant intervention for local families facing financial pressure. With the application window open, eligible households are urged to act promptly to secure this vital cost of living support.
