£100 Cost of Living Payment from Next Month: Check Eligibility Criteria & Payment Dates

Families across North Somerset who are struggling with the rising cost of living could receive free payments worth up to £100. This support comes from the Household Support Fund, a Government-funded scheme that gives money to local councils so they can help people in their area.

The North Somerset Council has received £2.3 million from the Government for this year’s scheme, which will run until March 2026. Here’s a breakdown of how this support works and who can benefit.

What Is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund is designed to help people with essential living costs. Every council in England gets a different amount of funding, and they decide how the money will be used. The kind of help you can get depends on where you live, which makes it a bit like a postcode lottery.

In North Somerset, the money is being used to give out vouchers for food, energy bills, and other everyday expenses.

Who Can Get a £100 Food Voucher?

Children who already receive free school meals will automatically get a £100 food voucher next month. These vouchers will be issued by their schools, so parents don’t need to apply.

But there is a rule: children in key stage one who get universal free school meals (which are given to all kids in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2) won’t get the voucher—unless they also qualify for income-based free school meals.

Extra Help for Households on Council Tax Reduction

North Somerset Council is also giving extra help to households who get Council Tax Reduction. These families will get:

A £50 voucher in June 2025
Another £50 voucher in January 2026

This help is for households of working age and pensionable age.

Can You Apply for a Cost of Living Payment?

Yes! If you’re facing money troubles and can’t afford food, energy, or water bills, you may be able to apply for extra help. The amount you can get depends on your situation.

To qualify, you must:

Live in North Somerset
Be facing financial hardship
Not have enough money to meet your short-term needs

Once you apply, the council will look at your case and let you know the result. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a voucher by email within 28 days.

What If You Don’t Live in North Somerset?

If you live somewhere else, you can’t apply for this scheme in North Somerset. But don’t worry—every local council has its own version of the Household Support Fund.

The help you get depends on your local council, and the rules can be slightly different in each area. This is why it’s often called a postcode lottery.

You can find out who your local council is by visiting the Gov.uk Local Council Finder. Just enter your postcode and you’ll be directed to your local authority’s website, where you can see what help is available and how to apply.

How to Apply

Each council has its own way of handling applications. Some allow you to apply online, others may require you to call, and some councils even contact eligible residents directly.

Look for a section on your council’s website titled “cost of living” or “Household Support Fund”. This is where all the details will be shared, including who qualifies and how to apply.

If you live in North Somerset and are finding it hard to cope with rising living costs, help is available. From £100 food vouchers for eligible children to £50 cost of living vouchers for Council Tax Reduction households, there are multiple ways you can get support. Plus, you can apply for help with food and utility bills if you’re facing financial hardship. Make sure to check your eligibility and apply in time. And if you’re not in North Somerset, don’t worry—check your local council’s website to see what help you can get through the Household Support Fund.

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