Struggling households in Worcestershire are encouraged to verify their eligibility for potential £500 energy bill assistance provided by Worcestershire County Council. To qualify, residents must reside in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District, and have a gross annual household income not exceeding £24,570 for singles without children. The income limit is set at £31,000 for other households, excluding existing benefits.
Applicants must lack household savings and meet at least one of five vulnerability criteria, such as being a recipient of DWP benefits, of state pension age, or having 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, while other households could receive up to £300 in energy support.
The energy assistance will be disbursed directly to the supplier or via Post Office vouchers for pre-payment customers. The application process can be initiated through the Act On Energy website. This support initiative stems from the Household Support Fund managed by Worcestershire County Council to aid vulnerable families.
For those outside Worcestershire, seeking support options from local councils is advised. Notably, Surrey County Council is distributing supermarket vouchers worth up to £300, redeemable at major retailers like Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, and Waitrose.
In Surrey, residents over 18 with household savings under £2,000 on average over 90 days and an annual household income below £27,007.50 are eligible for the scheme. Nottingham City Council is providing £100 vouchers to low-income individuals, with distribution ongoing till February 28, 2026, on a random basis.
Wakefield Council is offering food vouchers to low-income households receiving council tax assistance. Pensioners receiving Council Tax Support have already received a £70 voucher, while families and other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will receive £50 and £70 vouchers, respectively, in December.