Struggling households in Surrey can access a potential combined total of £525 in financial support from Monday, 5th January 2026, as two separate local schemes open for applications.
Two Schemes Offering Vital Cash and Voucher Support
The support comes from two distinct pots of money. The first is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund, administered by Surrey County Council. Through this, families with children can apply for a £300 supermarket e-voucher, while households without children are eligible for £200.
Separately, Tandridge District Council is running its own winter support scheme, funded entirely from its own resources. Under this initiative, households without children can apply for £125, and families with children can request £225. This cash is paid directly into bank accounts.
Applications Processed on First-Come, First-Served Basis
Council leader Catherine Sayer confirmed to the BBC that residents are entitled to apply to both schemes as they are run independently. She emphasised that the council's direct cash payment offers greater flexibility for residents compared to a restricted voucher.
The Tandridge scheme has a total funding pot of £150,000. Applications will be processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and the scheme will close once all the funds have been allocated.
Eligibility and How to Apply for the Support
To qualify for the Tandridge District Council support, applicants must:
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Live in the Tandridge district.
- Be in financial difficulty and struggling to meet costs for essentials like food, fuel, or energy bills for themselves or dependents.
The council states that evidence, such as three recent bank statements, will need to be submitted online. Importantly, grants are available even to households that have received other support this winter, such as from the national Household Support Fund.
With the cost of living continuing to pressure family budgets, this combined support represents a critical lifeline for eligible residents across Surrey, who are urged to apply promptly when the schemes open.
