SUPERMARKET cost of living vouchers worth up to £300 are being handed out to families – check if you’re eligible to claim.
Those struggling financially could get their hands on cash payments to be spent at Tesco, Aldi and B&M.
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Council funded support has been offered in the form of free cash payments, energy support, supermarket vouchers and discounts.
Available through the Household Support Fund, short term help towards food and fuel has been offered since the cost of living crisis begun.
The one-off award varies in value depending on a household’s needs and the specific hardships that families face.
Payments below £100 could be paid in certain “crisis situations”.
The council backed scheme varies in each constituency so those wanting to know whether they could be eligible for the additional support should check the relevant site.
Bury Council is the latest to reveal the fund which could also help those who are experiencing an “unforeseen event”.
According to their website, applications should be dealt within four weeks.
Those placing an application should expect a call from an unknown number and they could face delays if the council cannot reach them.
Food vouchers will make their way to an individual’s email where a code can be exchanged for a supermarket eGift card.
You can choose any supermarket you wish, including any from:
Other payments for eligible residents will be received straight into a bank account.
Someone needing the payment sooner that the three days which it takes to clear should request a voucher.
Meanwhile, fuel payments are valid for 30 days and will be sent via e-mail or text.
Similar to the supermarket vouchers, these can then be redeemed at a PayPoint Outlet.
Bury Council has not listed their eligibility criteria, however it has specified that applications will request details about income, expenditure and proof of bank statements.
In October last year, the government extended the wider scheme for the sixth time.
Releasing £421 million to be distributed among councils, payments vary by which area you live in.
This can be due to the size of the catchment area, population and number of vulnerable households.
A number of councils have made the schemes accessible to those who already receive support.
For instance families who have children eligible for free school meals or are in receipt of carer’s allowance have been considered by some.
Although, you do not need to be on benefits to apply for the fund as the government assistance has been aimed at those who don’t qualify for other support.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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