Struggling households in Worcestershire are being encouraged to check their eligibility for receiving support of up to £500 towards energy bills. To qualify for this assistance, residents must reside in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District, and have a gross annual household income of £24,570 or less for single individuals without children. The income limit is set at £31,000 for other households, excluding any existing benefits.
Additionally, applicants must possess no household savings and meet at least one of five vulnerability criteria, such as receiving DWP benefits, being of state pension age, or having young children under four years old. Households with children under 18, or young adults up to 21 in full-time education, may receive up to £500 in energy assistance, while other households could receive up to £300 in support. Payments will be disbursed directly to energy suppliers or through Post Office vouchers for pre-payment customers.
The support, part of the Household Support Fund provided by Worcestershire County Council, aims to aid vulnerable families. Residents outside Worcestershire facing financial difficulties are advised to seek assistance from their local council. For example, Surrey County Council is offering supermarket vouchers worth up to £300 to eligible residents. These vouchers can be used at various supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, and Waitrose.
In a similar initiative, Nottingham City Council is distributing £100 vouchers to low-income individuals or those on benefits, with the vouchers expected to be delivered by February 28, 2026. Wakefield Council is also providing food vouchers to households on low income and receiving council tax support. Pensioners receiving Council Tax Support have received vouchers, while families and households in receipt of Council Tax Support are set to receive vouchers ranging from £50 to £70 in the upcoming weeks.