A new round of direct financial support for households struggling with bills is set to launch in Kent. From midday on Thursday, 8 January 2026, residents will be able to apply for a one-off £90 payment to help cover essential costs.
Eligibility and Application Details
The support comes from the central government's Household Support Fund, administered locally by Kent County Council. Applications will be accepted for a seven-week window, closing at midday on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Be a permanent resident within the Kent County Council area (excluding Medway, Bexley, and Bromley).
- Be in receipt of means-tested benefits OR have a total household income of £33,000 or less per year and not be eligible for free school meals.
The council will verify residency against Department for Work and Pensions records and may request additional proof, such as a recent bill or bank statement.
How the Support Will Be Delivered
Successful applicants will receive a voucher worth £90, which can be used for energy costs, food, or essential household items. The vouchers will be issued as either an energy pre-paid card or a supermarket food voucher.
Only one application per household is permitted. The council has emphasised that the funding is taxpayer money and should be spent wisely on essential items only.
Vouchers will typically be sent via email or SMS text from the council's partner, Evouchers.com. For those without internet or email access, postal vouchers are available but will take longer to process and require a signature upon delivery.
Important Exclusions and Further Support
Families who are eligible for free school meals are not eligible for this particular scheme. They will instead receive separate food voucher and holiday support directly through their child's school, funded by the same Household Support Fund.
Furthermore, the specific energy voucher option is only available to the named energy bill payer who has access to an email address and a smartphone.
This initiative is targeted at those most in need and struggling with the ongoing high cost of living. Residents who believe they qualify are urged to prepare the necessary information ahead of the application portal opening at midday tomorrow.
