Households struggling with energy bills in parts of the UK are being given fuel vouchers worth up to £98 to help cover winter heating costs before Christmas.
In Leicestershire, eligible residents will receive the support through the government’s Household Support Fund, which is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but distributed by local councils.
Who Is Getting the Vouchers?
Leicestershire County Council has confirmed that it will issue fuel vouchers to households facing financial hardship.
The amounts are:
- £98 for family households
- £56 for single-person households
The support will be provided as:
- A fuel or Wonde e-voucher, or
- A pre-paid energy card
The vouchers are designed to help households pay for gas or electricity during the cold winter months.
When Will the Payments Be Made?
The council plans to issue all approved vouchers before Christmas.
To make this possible:
- Applications will close on Friday, December 19
- The scheme will reopen on January 5, 2026
There are two funding periods each year, opening in May and November, and households can apply once per funding period.
How to Apply for the Fuel Support
Households cannot apply directly for the vouchers.
Instead, a referral must be made by:
- A professional support worker
- A school or education professional
- A registered charity
- NHS or care professionals
This referral system is designed to ensure support goes to households most in need.
What the Household Support Fund Is
The Household Support Fund is a national scheme worth £742 million, running until March 31, 2026.
It helps people who are struggling to pay for essentials such as:
- Energy bills
- Food
- Other basic living costs
Each local council decides:
- Who qualifies
- What type of support is offered
- How and when payments are made
Because of this, the help available varies depending on where you live.
Support Available in Other Parts of the UK
Different councils are offering different types of help, including:
- Staffordshire: One-off £300 utility payment paid directly to energy suppliers
- Calderdale: Up to £170, split into two £85 payments
- Nottingham: £100 supermarket vouchers
- Doncaster: Up to £300 for food, plus £100 for energy bills
- Cambridgeshire: £110 through cash payments or supermarket vouchers
- Cheshire West and Chester: £100 payment for low-income pensioners in December
Some councils work through charities or community groups, while others limit applications to once per year.
Why Support May Arrive at Different Times
Because each council runs its own scheme:
- Payment dates differ
- Eligibility rules vary
- Some households may receive help before Christmas, while others may need to wait
The DWP advises residents to check their local council website or speak to local support organisations to find out what help is available in their area.