Many people across the UK are continuing to struggle under the pressure of soaring household bills and fuel prices as the cost of living crisis bites - but millions of families may be eligible for financial help thanks to a government scheme.
As part of the Household Support Fund, free help to those struggling is available, including extra help with paying bills and vouchers to spend at supermarkets. Chancellor Rishi Sunak topped up the Household Support Fund by £500m in May, bringing the total available to £1.5bn, the Mirror reports.
At the time, Mr Sunak said: “We know that people are facing challenges with the cost of living and that is why today I’m stepping in with further support to help with rising energy bills. We have a collective responsibility to help those who are paying the highest price for the high inflation we face. That is why I’m targeting this significant support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
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The scheme is set to run up until the end of September this year and will be distributed by councils in England to directly help those who need it most. The support available is decided by each individual council, as well as the eligibility criteria, meaning each local authority decides who to give the money to and how the money should be spent.
To apply for the Household Support Fund, you need to contact your council. Most local authorities have a dedicated webpage where you can find all the information about how it is running their Household Support Fund - including who is eligible, what support they can give, and how to apply.
To be eligible, most people will need to be on a low income, claim certain benefits or be over the state pension age to receive any help. Previously, Cornwall Council has given one-off payments worth £100 to pensioners identified as having low incomes. Families with children who are eligible for free school meals also received a one-off payment of £80.
While residents in Barnsley have previously been offered £200 in vouchers to spend at supermarkets and retail stores, such as Morrisons, Sainsbury's Aldi and Waitrose. For those living in Derby, the council can distribute supermarket vouchers worth up to £120.
Back in December last year, 7,500 people in Nottingham received £100 supermarket vouchers and a further 4,000 people claimed energy vouchers worth £49. Each council is allocated a set amount of money through the Household Support Fund - this means you should apply sooner rather than later, before it runs out of cash.
Nottinghamshire residents can apply for the Household Support Grant here.
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