North Yorkshire Council has been awarded £6.24 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to support residents through the seventh phase of the Household Support Fund (HSF7). Running until 31st March 2026, the fund provides help for those most in need, including families with children, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled households.

The next phase of the Direct Award scheme will run from 8th October to 12th November 2025. Around 26,270 eligible households will automatically receive a letter by 16th October with a £190 shopping e-voucher code. Vouchers must be redeemed no later than 12th November 2025.

Getting Support with Your Voucher

Most people will be able to redeem their voucher online. However, as in previous phases, support will be available for anyone who is unable to do this and does not have family, friends or neighbours to help.

From 8th October 2025, residents can visit their local Library or Council office to:
• Use the eligibility checker (Household Support Fund – North Yorkshire County Council Customer Portal) to confirm eligibility or obtain their voucher code.
• Get help redeeming their voucher. Staff can send the voucher by email, or if you do not have an email address, they can print it for you.

Locally, the front desk team at Mashamshire Community Office will be processing HSF voucher support from 8th October. If you need help, please call in with your letter and ID, and our staff will assist you.

If you cannot get to a library, council office, or community office, and you have no one who can assist, you can call the NYC Customer Service Centre on 0300 131 2131 (ask for “Household Support Fund”) and a community-based solution will be arranged.

Where Vouchers Can Be Used

Vouchers can be spent at nine supermarkets: Aldi, ASDA, Farm Foods, Iceland, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
Please note that ASDA, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose allow vouchers to be used both in-store and online.

More Support Available

Even if you do not qualify for a direct award voucher, other support is available through the Household Support Fund, including help with food, energy, and essentials. Find out more here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund 

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