Hard-up households in England can get up to £500 in free cash sent directly to their bank accounts this month, while others can grab supermarket vouchers worth hundreds of pounds. This is by taking advantage of the Household Support Fund, which the government extended till March 2024 earlier this year.
The £842million Household Support Fund is a pot of cash provided by the Government and distributed by local councils to help with the cost of living. Each local authority gets to decide what support it offers its residents - and who is eligible for the help.
As the vouchers or grants on offer vary by location you'll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you. For example, Cornwall Council residents are able to claim up to £160 in cash instalments to go toward rising bills, while Torbay offers up to £500.
