Thousands of UK households are set to receive a direct financial boost this week as new cost of living support lands in accounts. The government has announced that £70 supermarket vouchers will be automatically issued to eligible residents from Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.
Who Qualifies for the £70 Voucher?
The support comes from the Household Support Fund (HSF), a pot of money provided to local authorities by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In Wakefield, the council has confirmed that households already in receipt of Council Tax Support will be the primary recipients of this latest round of aid.
Eligible residents do not need to apply for these vouchers. They will be sent out automatically. The local authority has advised people to allow up to 14 days for the voucher to arrive by post. Full instructions on how to redeem the voucher will be included in the accompanying letter.
How the Vouchers Can Be Used
The £70 is intended to help with essential costs like food, gas, and electricity. Once received, the voucher does not have to be spent in one go. It can be used multiple times until the total £70 balance is spent. Importantly, receiving this voucher will not affect entitlement to any other benefits claimants may be receiving.
Wakefield Council has also clarified what the fund cannot be used for. The support does not cover:
- Cash payments or mortgage costs.
- Rent or housing arrears.
- Non-urgent items like new furniture or TVs.
- Debt repayments on loans or credit cards.
Additional Support for Those in Crisis
For residents who are not part of the automatic issuance scheme, the council is still offering a route to apply for help. Additional funding has been allocated to support those facing a genuine emergency or crisis.
To apply for this discretionary support, you must:
- Live in the Wakefield district.
- Be over 16 and responsible for your household's rent, mortgage, and bills.
- Be on a low income with insufficient money to pay essential bills.
- Have savings under £6,000 (proof will be required).
The council has also confirmed that individuals with no recourse to public funds are still eligible to apply for this discretionary support, and each case will be assessed individually.
This funding from the DWP is part of a wider support package running from April 2025 to March 2026, aimed at helping vulnerable households navigate the ongoing cost of living pressures.
