If you’re feeling the pinch of rising grocery costs and soaring energy bills, relief could be just around the corner. A £150 supermarket voucher is currently being offered through the Household Support Fund, an initiative aimed at helping vulnerable UK households manage daily essentials. Backed by a national budget of £742 million, this program runs until March 2026 and is administered by local councils.
In this refreshed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—eligibility, where to apply, how the voucher works, and ways to stretch its value even further.
What Is the £150 Supermarket Voucher?
The voucher is part of the UK government’s ongoing effort to support families during the cost-of-living crisis. It provides eligible individuals with £150 to spend on essential items, from food to hygiene products. Depending on your local council, the voucher may be issued digitally (via email or SMS) or in paper form.
📌 Quick Facts
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Amount | £150 |
Retailers | Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, M&S, etc. |
Distribution | Email, SMS, or post |
Expires | Varies—check your council’s rules |
Use Restrictions | No alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, or lottery items |
Eligible Applicants | Low-income households, benefit recipients, pensioners |
Apply Via | Your local council website or service center |
What Can You Buy?
✅ Approved purchases:
-
Fresh or frozen foods
-
Baby formula and nappies
-
Hygiene and cleaning products
-
Pet food (in some councils)
❌ Items not covered:
-
Alcohol, tobacco, and vape products
-
Lottery tickets or scratch cards
-
Gift cards or luxury/non-essential goods
Also Read – New 2025 DLA Rates Announced – Check Out If You’re Eligible for Up to £187.30 Weekly
Where You Can Use the Voucher
The voucher is widely accepted at major UK supermarket chains, including:
-
Tesco
-
Aldi
-
Asda
-
Sainsbury’s
-
Morrisons
-
Iceland
-
Marks & Spencer
-
Waitrose
-
Farmfoods
-
Select B&M locations (varies by council)
Who’s Eligible?
While criteria differ slightly by location, here are common requirements:
-
Receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Pension Credit
-
Facing financial hardship or low household income
-
Living with children or dependents
-
Dealing with high energy or living costs
Your local council’s website will provide the most specific and updated criteria.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
-
Go to your local council’s website. Search for “Household Support Fund” or “cost-of-living support.”
-
Review eligibility criteria.
-
Prepare your documents, such as:
-
Proof of identity (ID/passport)
-
Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
-
Proof of income or benefits (bank statement or award letters)
-
-
Submit the online application. In some cases, phone or in-person applications are available.
-
Wait 1–3 weeks for a decision. Vouchers are typically sent via email, SMS, or through the post.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Tom, a retired widower in Birmingham, received his voucher within two weeks:
“The voucher helped me get essentials for the month. It wasn’t just the money—it reminded me that help is out there when you need it most.”
Also Read – £3,500 Payout Confirmed for WASPI Campaign in 2025 by DWP – Check Eligibility and Payment Dates
Amira, a mother of three in Leeds, said:
“I used the voucher during a back-to-school rush. Being able to buy food and toiletries without cutting into rent money made a world of difference.”
Regional Insights
Here’s how different regions are implementing the program:
-
Cambridgeshire: Offered £165 per child and £110 per household
-
North Yorkshire: Deadline set for 13 February 2025
-
Lewisham (London): Automatically issued vouchers to households on certain benefits
💡 Important: Many councils operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early before the funding runs out.
Bonus Tips to Make It Go Further
-
Plan your meals to reduce waste
-
Stack vouchers with in-store promotions or loyalty rewards
-
Shop in bulk for non-perishables
-
Split shopping trips to take advantage of different store discounts
-
Track expiration dates carefully
What Else You Might Qualify For
Alongside this voucher, you might be eligible for:
-
Warm Home Discount (£150 off your energy bill)
-
Free school meal support during holidays
-
Council Tax support or reductions
-
Discretionary Housing Payments
-
Local food banks and charities (via The Trussell Trust or community networks)
FAQs
Q: How long will this support last?
A: The fund runs through March 2026, but application deadlines vary by council.
Q: Can I apply more than once?
A: Possibly. Some councils offer multiple rounds of support—check with yours.
Q: Can I get a physical voucher instead of digital?
A: Yes, depending on your council’s delivery method.
Q: What if I’m not on benefits but still struggling?
A: You may still qualify if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
Final Thoughts
The £150 supermarket voucher from the Household Support Fund is more than just a short-term fix—it’s a critical safety net during financially turbulent times. Whether you’re supporting a family, living on a fixed income, or just need a little help this month, don’t miss out on this opportunity.
Take 10 minutes today to apply—it could bring weeks of relief and stability.