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In England, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides funding to councils and local authorities, who then distribute this money to residents who need extra financial support.
In Portsmouth, the Utilities Payment Scheme has been set up to help low-income households manage rising energy and water costs. Eligible applicants can receive £150 for a single-person household or £200 for couples and families.
Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Thursday 26 February. As funding is limited, the scheme could close earlier if all available funds are allocated. Residents already receiving help from the council — such as social care, housing services, or community advice and support — may be able to get assistance with the application process.
To qualify, applicants must fall into at least one of the following groups:
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Pensioners who receive a disability benefit
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Carers or caring households receiving Carer’s Allowance or the carer element of Universal Credit
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Care leavers and adults with care experience
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Low-income working-age adults who are unable to work and have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) but do not receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Single parents receiving Universal Credit, including both a child element and a housing costs element — including those living in temporary council accommodation who pay their own utility bills
This means eligibility includes people receiving Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit carer, child, and housing elements, as well as pensioners receiving disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, and Constant Attendance Allowance — bringing the total number of qualifying benefit categories to seven.
Household income must be below £935 per month for a single adult or £1,350 per month for a couple.
Portsmouth City Council said the Household Support Fund is government funding designed to help residents most in need cover essential costs such as food and energy bills, and to stop people from falling into — or further into — financial hardship.
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