Source: City of Portsmouth
A new exceptional hardship scheme has opened offering one-off payments for Portsmouth residents who need help to pay for food, bills and other essentials.
The Portsmouth City Council-run scheme offers individual payments to families and individuals in extreme hardship. The amount awarded is based on individual circumstances.
It’s open to Portsmouth households based on income levels who meet other criteria, and who have not received an exceptional hardship payment within the last six months. Full details and how to apply: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support-fund
People can apply for payments towards groceries and energy costs, as well as essential household purchases like a fridge, freezer and white goods, beds, furniture, vehicle repairs and children’s clothing.
The first application window is open until 12 noon on Thursday 12 June 2025. The scheme will then reopen for a second window in July.
Residents are encouraged to check online if they’re eligible, and if they need help to apply to call the council’s cost of living helpline: 023 9284 1047.
It’s the first of a number of local support schemes to open, funded by the latest Household Support Fund (HSF) from the UK Government. Portsmouth has been given a total of £3,327,922 to use until 31 March 2026.
At an extraordinary cabinet meeting, councillors were updated on the other HSF schemes coming in stages which will further support those in hardship, including:
- Living cost payments for targeted groups including pensioners, carers, care leavers, people with disabilities
- Supermarket food vouchers for children who get free school meals (FSM), and a voucher scheme for low-income families who don’t quality for FSM
- Extending the successful HAF Fun Pompey holiday activities to low-income families who don’t qualify for FSM
- Grants for local foodbanks, community meals, larders/pantries so they can continue supporting people
- Funding to continue the cost of living hub website and helpline, offering free advice and help to apply for benefits and payments for those who need it
Details of all these application-based schemes will be added to the HSF webpage and promoted before they open.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“People have just seen a huge hike in many of their bills at a time when prices aren’t getting cheaper. There’s evidence that many local people are in more financial hardship than ever, so it’s essential that we allocate this funding to those who most need it.
“I strongly encourage people to check if they qualify for payment schemes when they open, as well as other benefits, and to contact our cost of living hub for any help.”
Nearly three-quarters of Portsmouth residents (72%) are finding it quite or very difficult to manage financially, from those who completed a cost of living survey in September 2024. Just over half of respondents have a household income of less than £10,000, and a further 38% earn between £10,000 and £20,000.
With thousands of Portsmouth residents still not receiving benefit payments like Pension Credit despite being eligible, the council continues to support people to apply through the helpline.
- Visit the cost of living hub website or call the free helpline 023 9284 1047, open weekdays 9am-5pm (closes 4.30pm Fridays)
- Find out how to lower your energy bills at Switched on Portsmouth and check if you qualify for a free home energy visit