UK Families May Receive a £150 Voucher – Who’s Eligible and How to Claim It

As energy prices and living expenses continue to rise across the UK, many families are struggling to keep up. In response, the government has introduced several support schemes—one of the most talked-about being the £150 voucher. But it’s not just one scheme; this support comes in multiple forms like bill discounts, supermarket vouchers, and one-off cost-of-living payments. This guide breaks down how to qualify, how to apply, and how to get the most out of these benefits.

Overview

The “£150 voucher” is actually a term used to describe various targeted support schemes aimed at helping low-income households, pensioners, and people with disabilities. These schemes are part of a larger government initiative to soften the blow of inflation, rising utility bills, and essential household costs.

Scheme	Benefit	Eligibility	How to Apply
Warm Home Discount Scheme	£150 off your electricity bill	Low-income or Pension Credit recipients	Auto-applied by suppliers or direct apply
Household Support Fund (HSF)	Vouchers or payments up to £275	Based on local council criteria	Apply via your local council website
Disability Cost of Living	One-off £150 payment	Recipients of qualifying disability benefits	Paid automatically by DWP

£150 Voucher Scheme

There’s no single “£150 voucher” program. Instead, this term applies to a mix of financial relief initiatives like electricity bill credits, supermarket gift cards, and cost-of-living payments. Each is aimed at helping those who are financially vulnerable, especially during colder months when energy use spikes.

Breakdown of the Schemes

This scheme gives eligible households a £150 credit on their electricity account during winter. It’s not a cash payout—it’s automatically applied to your utility bill by most energy suppliers.

Eligibility:

• You receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit
• You are on a low income and have high energy costs

How to Apply:

• Most will get it automatically
• Some in Scotland or with smaller energy providers may need to apply directly through the supplier

Household Support Fund (HSF)

This flexible fund is distributed through local councils, offering direct cash payments or vouchers for essentials like food, fuel, and energy bills.

Eligibility:

• Determined by each local authority
• Common recipients include low-income families, pensioners, and those with disabilities

How to Apply:

• Visit your council’s website
• Search for “Household Support Fund”
• Submit documents like income statements and utility bills

Example:
In Manchester, you might get £150 in food vouchers. In Devon, support could come as heating oil top-ups or prepayment meter credits.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

This is a one-time £150 payment given to people receiving disability benefits.

Qualifying Benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance

How It Works:

• No application needed
• Paid directly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Real-Life Story

Claire, a single mum of two, was struggling to afford heating. After checking her local council’s site, she applied for HSF and received:

• A £150 supermarket voucher
• A £100 top-up for her prepay energy meter
• Guidance on applying for the Warm Home Discount

“It was life-changing,” she said. “I could keep my kids warm without panicking about the bills.”

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility
   • Use the GOV.UK Benefits Checker
2. Find Your Local Council
   • Visit the “Find Your Council” page on GOV.UK
3. Locate Support Funds
   • Search for ‘Household Support Fund’ or ‘Cost of Living Help’
4. Prepare Documents
   • Proof of income, utility bills, benefit letters
5. Apply Online or by Post
   • Each council may have a different process
6. Track Your Application
   • Follow up with your council or check your email/post for updates

Important Advice

• Never share personal details over the phone or via unsolicited emails
• Always use links from official GOV.UK or council websites
• Contact your local authority if something feels off

Maximize What You Receive

• You can combine support—many people qualify for more than one scheme
• Ask your council about school meal vouchers, water bill relief, and rent support
• If unsure, call Citizens Advice or visit a local help centre

Offline Help Is Available

If you don’t have internet access or need assistance:

• Visit your local council office
• Call Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848
• Contact your MP’s office for additional support

FAQs