For this sixth phase of the Household Support Fund, the eligibility criteria was updated based on guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions. Because the guidance changed, you might have received a payment as part of a previous phase of the Household Support Fund and not this time. For example, if you were not getting the maximum discount to help pay your council tax bill through the means-tested Council Tax Reduction Scheme as of 1 December 2024 you were not eligible. You will find information about other sources of support on this page.
Household Support Fund - phase seven to open 8 October 2025
We will be delivering a seventh phase of the Household Support Fund to help people pay for food and other essentials over the winter months. We will publish further information, including eligibility and payment amounts, on this page from 8 October 2025. Anyone who received a payment previously will find information about using their vouchers in the frequently asked questions section below.
Scams
We have been made aware of scam emails and text messages targeting residents across the UK, falsely claiming to offer help with Household Support Fund payments and other financial support schemes. Remember that we will never ask you for payment to process applications for support. You can report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and forward scam texts to 7726.
Other support
If you are struggling to pay for food, energy and other essentials you will find information about support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or point you in the right direction in the ‘other support available’ section below or on our cost of living page.
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About the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund was set up by the government to help people who are struggling with the increase in living costs and feeling the financial pressure of paying their bills.
In North Yorkshire, there is a direct award e-voucher payment to people who are eligible. The fund is also used to supplement other schemes that help residents with their household costs.
For the sixth phase, the eligibility criteria for the direct award was updated based on guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions so that we could help people across North Yorkshire who are in need. Because the guidance changed, you might have received a payment as part of a previous phase of the Household Support Fund and not this time.
People who were eligible for the direct award in this sixth phase could claim a Household Support Fund e-voucher payment of £150 to pay for food and other essentials.
Letters were sent out to anyone getting the maximum discount to pay their council tax bill through the means-tested Council Tax Reduction Scheme as of 1 December 2024. The deadline to claim was 13 February 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How did you decide who got a payment?
What was the cut off date for claiming the Household Support Fund e-vouchers?
The cut off to claim the e-voucher was 13 February 2025 when the latest phase of the Household Support Fund direct payment scheme ended. We cannot process any payments now that this deadline has passed.
How did you get my information to send me a letter about claiming the Household Support Fund e-vouchers?
We worked alongside colleagues in our welfare and benefits team to identify people who matched the eligibility criteria. The Department for Work and Pensions have given us discretion to use existing benefits data to make sure that the funding goes to people who qualify. For more information on how we process your personal data, go to privacy notices.
Using your Household Support Fund e-vouchers
What is an e-voucher?
An e-voucher can be used in a store or when shopping online with some supermarkets. Some people prefer to use a printed version, but an e-voucher can be sent on email to use on a smartphone. When you use your voucher, nobody in the supermarket will know that you are eligible for the Household Support Fund. It will just be like any other voucher gift card. E-vouchers are sometimes known as a virtual gift card. You can find more information about the terms and conditions of each of the supermarkets involved on the voucher provider website.
What can I buy with my e-voucher?
You can use your e-vouchers to pay for food and other essentials. Vouchers cannot be used to pay for fuel, scratch cards/lottery tickets, tobacco products or pre-paid gift cards. Each supermarket has different exemptions, you can find more information about the terms and conditions of each of the supermarkets involved on the voucher provider website.
Who can use my e-voucher?
The e-voucher should be used by the person named in the Household Support Fund letter.
Do I have to spend the e-voucher all in one go?
You do not need to spend your e-voucher all in one go. Each supermarket involved in the scheme will have different terms and conditions for using their e-vouchers. You can find more information about the terms and conditions of each of the supermarkets involved on the voucher provider website.
Can I check how much I have left on my e-voucher?
You can check your balance online and over the phone, depending on which supermarket you selected for your e-vouchers. You can find more information about the terms and conditions of each of the supermarkets involved on the voucher provider website.
What should I do if my e-voucher does not work?
If your e-voucher does not work you can call the voucher provider, Hawk Select, on 0800 5872294 seven days a week. Find other ways to contact Hawk Select, including email on the Hawk Select website. If you do need to get in touch with Hawk Select, someone from their customer service team will get back to you within 24 hours.
What happens if I lose my printed voucher?
Please look after your voucher in the same way you would money. If you do lose your printed voucher and you redeemed it using your own email address, you will be able to get your original voucher from your inbox.
If you got help to redeem your voucher from a library or council office, please get in touch with us by filling in a contact form.
Other support available
What other help and support can I get?
If you are struggling to pay for food, energy and other essentials you may be able to get other financial support through schemes such as the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF) and a fund managed by North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Centre that helps people struggling to pay their energy bills.
You will find more information about support schemes and organisations which may be able to help on our cost of living support page.
This includes information about emergency support with everyday living costs, benefits, Pension Credit, energy bills, food and managing debt. The page also has information about schemes to help families, free adult learning courses and local community-based support including Warm Welcome spaces. You can get in touch with us about cost of living support by filling in a contact form.
North Yorkshire Citizen’s Advice and Law Centre provide free, confidential and impartial advice to help people find a way forward with whatever problems they face, including money and benefits. You can get advice in person, over the phone, on a web chat or by email by contacting North Yorkshire Citizen’s Advice and Law Centre directly.
Can I get help to pay my council tax bill?
If you are on a low income or claim benefits you can apply for a reduction in the council tax you pay. Find more information on our Council Tax Reduction Scheme web page.
If I have received a Household Support Fund e-voucher payment can I still apply to the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF)?
You can still apply to the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund even if you have received a Household Support Fund e-voucher payment. Find out about North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF) on our website.