Household Support Fund July 2025 – March 2026
The Government has made more money available to local councils to provide further funding for households who might be struggling most with the increase in the cost of living.
The funding provided to North Devon Council will be used in two different ways;
Direct Award
All working age households, who receive an element of council tax reduction as at 1 August 2025, will receive a voucher for £50 via the Post Office Payout Scheme. These vouchers will be issued during September and sent out in the post. They can be redeemed at any Post Office in the area and customers will have six weeks from the date of the letter to redeem the voucher.
Application
An application scheme will allow agreed third-party organisations to apply for funds on behalf of their clients. The amount awarded will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and level of assistance needed.
PLEASE NOTE – the application part of the scheme is temporarily closed. Please keep checking back for the latest information on how to apply towards the end of October 2025.
FAQ’s – Direct Award
Who is eligible for assistance from the Household Support Fund July 2025 - March 2026 Direct Award?
All working age households within North Devon District’s area who receive an element of council tax support / reduction. This is a means tested benefit.
When will I receive my voucher?
All vouchers will be issued during September. These vouchers will be issued automatically and no application is needed
How long do I have to redeem my voucher?
You have six weeks to redeem your voucher.
Who can redeem the voucher?
Anyone named on the letter can claim the payment providing they have consent from all members of the household.
Where can I redeem the voucher?
The letter has a barcode you can use to pick up your cash payment from any Post Office branch. It doesn’t have to be the one nearest to you.
I cannot get to a Post Office to cash my voucher?
You can nominate someone to collect the payment on your behalf. The nominated person must take the voucher, your ID and a signed letter giving your authority to pay the nominated person, to the Post Office. The nominated person should also take a form of ID.
Other support available
Citizen’s Advice Devon is working with Devon County Council to manage an Energy and Water Relief Scheme for people using pre-payment meters and who are struggling to meet their energy needs. For more information, please view the Citizen's Advice Energy Advice page.
Devon County Council is also running additional initiatives to help with the cost of living.
Households currently in receipt of free school meals are eligible for a supermarket voucher to the value of £15 per child per week of the school holidays, to help pay for groceries over the holidays. The vouchers will automatically be distributed to eligible households prior to the holidays. Find out more about the allocation on the Devon County Council website.
Families on low incomes can get help with food and utility costs, which early help is administering locally.
The county council is also working with Devon Community Foundation to provide Food, Fuel and More targeted grants to organisations working with vulnerable households and people most in need of support over the finding period (until 31 March 2026).
For further support, visit the Government's dedicated cost of living page.
