If you’re feeling the pressure of rising food costs and expensive energy bills, there’s some welcome relief available. A £150 supermarket voucher is now being offered to eligible households across the UK as part of the Household Support Fund. Backed by the UK government, this scheme aims to ease financial strain by helping families afford everyday essentials.
It’s not automatic—you’ll need to apply through your local council—but it’s quick, easy, and could make a real difference. Let’s break down how it works, who qualifies, and how to get your hands on one.
Voucher
The £150 voucher is part of the Household Support Fund, a government-backed program launched in 2021 and recently extended to March 2026 with a £742 million budget.
This support is distributed by local councils across England and offers a direct way to help struggling households cover essential grocery costs. You can use the voucher at most major supermarkets to purchase necessities like food, baby items, and toiletries.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Voucher Amount | £150 |
Eligible Retailers | Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, M&S, etc. |
Who Qualifies | Low-income families, pensioners, benefit recipients |
Application Deadline | Varies by council (some as early as June 2025) |
Delivery Method | By post or digital code via email/SMS |
Official Website | GOV.UK Household Support Fund |
Use
What can you actually buy with it? Most essentials:
Approved items:
- Groceries (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Baby food and formula
- Toiletries
- Cleaning products
Not allowed:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Lottery tickets or scratch cards
- Gift cards or non-essentials like electronics
Use the voucher wisely to make the most of it—plan meals, compare prices, and stick to your list.
Retailers
You can use your £150 voucher at these major stores:
- Tesco
- Asda
- Aldi
- Sainsbury’s
- Morrisons
- Iceland
- M&S
- Waitrose
- Farmfoods
- B&M (in some areas)
Not every council supports every retailer, so check your local council’s list before you shop.
Eligibility
While every council manages the fund slightly differently, you’re likely to qualify if:
- You receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit
- Your household income is below a certain level
- You are disabled, a pensioner, or a parent
- You are facing financial hardship due to energy costs or unemployment
Check your local council’s Household Support Fund page for their exact requirements.
Apply
Here’s how to claim your voucher:
Step 1
Visit your local council’s website and search for “Household Support Fund”. Read their eligibility guidelines.
Step 2
You may need:
- ID (passport or driver’s licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill, council tax statement)
- Evidence of benefits or low income (bank statements or award letters)
Step 3
Apply online through the council portal or, if available, by phone or in person.
Step 4
If successful, your voucher will be sent by email, text, or post. This typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Example
Sarah from Manchester said:
“We were down to our last few pounds, and the voucher helped buy nappies, milk, and dinners. It came by email and worked instantly at Tesco.”
Real-life stories like Sarah’s highlight how valuable this scheme can be in tough times.
Local
Each council handles things their own way. Some examples:
- Cambridgeshire: Offered £165 vouchers during holidays and £110 per household
- North Yorkshire: Set a deadline of 13 June 2025
- Lewisham: Automatically issued vouchers to certain benefit recipients via online portal
Because deadlines vary, don’t wait too long—apply as soon as possible.
Tips
Want to stretch your £150 as far as possible? Try these:
- Plan your meals to avoid waste
- Use loyalty cards and take advantage of store discounts
- Buy in bulk for staple items
- Be aware of voucher expiry dates
- Reapply if your council runs more rounds of funding
More
You might be eligible for other support too. Here are some options to explore:
- Warm Home Discount: £150 off your electricity bill
- Free School Meals: For school holidays or term-time
- Council Tax Reduction: If you’re struggling with payments
- Food Banks: Access emergency food via The Trussell Trust
- Universal Credit: Monthly income support for low-income households
Don’t leave money on the table. These programs are there to help—use them if you qualify.
FAQs
Who can get the £150 voucher?
Low-income households or those on benefits can qualify.
Where can I apply for the voucher?
Apply through your local council’s website.
How long does approval take?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks after submitting your application.
Can I use it at any supermarket?
Only at approved retailers like Tesco, Asda, Aldi, etc.
Can I reapply for another voucher later?
Yes, if your council runs multiple funding rounds.