Portsmouth’s family voucher scheme has reopened, offering £50 supermarket vouchers to low-income families with children aged 0-19 or pregnant households earning £1,870 monthly or less. Applications close Thursday 25 September at noon.
The council initiative provides food vouchers worth £50 for eligible families who weren’t able to access vouchers through their children’s schools.
Households qualify if their total monthly income is £1,870 or below (calculated from the month prior to application, excluding benefits and tax credits). The scheme covers families with children from birth to 19 years old, plus those who are at least 20 weeks pregnant.
Eligible groups include families who already received school vouchers but have additional children aged 0-4 or 16+, low-income households not qualifying for free school meals, and families with home-educated children.
The programme runs through Government Household Support Fund financing, with limited funding meaning early closure remains possible.
Portsmouth City Council is also preparing to launch another application window for its Exceptional Hardship Scheme targeting residents facing severe financial difficulties.
Both schemes’ details and application processes are available at: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support
HAF Fun Pompey Programme
Children receiving benefits-related free school meals can join HAF Fun Pompey‘s summer programme, featuring expanded activities and complimentary meals. Registration information is accessible via the HAF Fun Pompey webpage.
Council leader Cllr Steve Pitt commented: “We remain committed to supporting Portsmouth residents requiring financial assistance through various family-focused schemes.
“Previous year delivery included £106,000 worth of support reaching 1,968 children and expectant mothers via this voucher initiative, and we recognise ongoing support needs amid the continuing cost of living pressures.
“I urge eligible residents to submit applications or contact our cost of living hub for guidance on available assistance.”
Complete eligibility criteria and application instructions, alongside additional Household Support Fund assistance, can be found at: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support
Application Support
Residents unable to complete online applications or upload supporting documentation can access assistance through the Household Support Fund Helpline: 023 9268 8010. Phone applicants must bring evidence documents to Civic Offices for scanning.
Families cannot apply for children who received free school meals in June and should have obtained vouchers from their school. Eligible families who didn’t receive school vouchers during June/July should contact their child’s school directly.
