Financial Support Schemes

Managing rising household costs can feel overwhelming, but there may be financial support available to help ease the burden.  In this post, we explain three key schemes that could offer vital help with your energy and food bills this year.  While each has different eligibility criteria, many disabled people and those on low or fixed incomes may qualify for one or more.

The Government is expanding access to these schemes it is more important than ever to know what help is available and how to access it safely.  Please keep reading to find out what support you might be entitled to, how payments are made, and where to find more information. 

Help with Food

1. Household Support Fund

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, this scheme is administered by Kent County Council to support residents in urgent need, especially over the summer months.  The latest round of support will run from June to August 2025, offering food voucher support worth £90 to eligible households.  There is no cash alternative and this is a food-only scheme.

How does it work?

The application portal is open now and is expected to close by 12pm on Tuesday 26 August 2025.  However, it may close sooner if funds run out so it is best to apply early.  You can apply for yourself or a professional, such as one of our Information Officers, can submit the application on your behalf.  Please use this link to contact us if you would like us to apply on your behalf. For those without internet access, Citizens Advice can support you by submitting an application on your behalf. Call them free on 0300 304 8003 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, from 24 June until the scheme ends).

You will be able to choose your preferred supermarket when applying online, and vouchers will be distributed via evouchers.com.

Who Can Apply?

There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be met to apply, you must:

• Be aged 16 or over

• Live in Kent (excludes Medway, Bromley, and Bexley)

• Be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, or have a household income below £33,000 per year

• Not already be receiving Free School Meals support

Only one award is permitted per household, and all applications are subject to fraud checks to ensure eligibility. You can find more details and apply via Kent County Council’s HSF webpage. 

Important Reminder

You will never be asked for your bank details to apply for this scheme.  Be cautious of scam texts or emails that claim to be from the HSF team and only use official links from Kent County Council.  If you suspect a scam, report it to Action Fraud.

If you are unsure about eligibility or need help applying, you can contact the HSF team on 03000 412424 or by email at kcc-hsffoodandenergysupport@kent.gov.uk.

Help with Energy Bills

Winter energy bills are probably the last thing on your mind right now, as the country enjoys glorious weather, warm temperatures and long days.  However, since recent news has suggested that energy bills are likely to go up again in the coming months, prices remain a concern for many households. 

Living with a disability or long-term health condition often means that staying warm is more important so it may be a relief to know that two key Government schemes will be providing targeted help this winter.

2. Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off payment from the Government designed to help older people cover their energy costs during the colder months. This year, the eligibility criteria have been widened, meaning more pensioners could benefit.

What is it?

A tax-free payment of £200–£300, depending on your age and circumstances.  The higher rate will be paid to those over 80 years of age and specific rules exist for couples who are both of State Pension age. 

Who is eligible?

If you are over the State Pension age and have an income of under £35,000, you are likely to qualify.  You will need to have lived in the UK during the qualifying week (the third full week in September 2025).

When is it paid?

Payments will be made automatically between November and December so there is no need to apply or fill in any forms. If you are eligible, it will go straight into your bank account.

Watch out for scams

Please be aware that you do not need to register for this payment. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the announcement by sending fake emails and texts claiming you need to provide personal or bank details to receive your payment.  These messages are fraudulent so do not click any links or share your information.

For more official information, you can visit the GOV.UK website.  The Money Saving Expert website has also created a great guide with further information.  

3. Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is another helpful scheme aimed at easing the burden of high energy bills, particularly for people on lower incomes or means-tested benefits.

What is it?

A £150 discount applied directly to your electricity bill, usually paid between October and March.

Who qualifies?

The criteria have changed slightly this year. If you receive means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or certain disability-related benefits, and your home has high energy costs, you may now be eligible.

How do I get it?

You do not need to apply.  If you are eligible, the Government will notify your energy provider, and the discount will be applied automatically to your bill.

Be scam aware

There is no need to enter your details online or respond to unsolicited messages. If you receive a suspicious email or text asking you to “apply” for the Warm Home Discount, ignore it as this is not how the scheme works. 

You can learn more at the GOV.uk website.

To read more about protecting yourself from scams, check out our Scam Awareness Guide in the Self-Help section of our website and visit Action Fraud to report anything suspicious.