THOUSANDS of families can get a £100 supermarket voucher to help towards the cost of living.
The help comes as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is a pot worth £842million.
The HSF was first launched in October 2021 to help struggling Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
The money is distributed by the Government to councils across England so they can help households in need of some extra support.
Each council gets to decide how they share out their portion of the fund, so what you can get depends on where you live.
Some local authorities are offering out food or utility bill vouchers while others are making cash bank transfers.
Read more on Money
I’m a shopping expert – 5 things to scan with your B&M app to get 10p bargains
I’m a bargain hunter – five things to always buy at The Range & three to avoid
If you are unsure who your local council is, you can type your postcode into the government's council locator tool on its website and it will tell you.
If you think you might be eligible check with your local council to see what help is being offered in your area.
Households in Reading in receipt of free school meals for their children will receive two £125 vouchers sent to their homes by the Post Office.
And residents within the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are being offered £145 free cash to go towards food and energy costs.
Most read in Uncategorized
Wilko issues heartfelt message to all shoppers as chain on the brink of closing
Boots reveals more shop locations closing down as 300 set to disappear for good
Aldi makes change to shopping hours following Tesco – customers are divided
Exact date Wetherspoons is slashing food and drink prices for one day only
Who is eligible?
Ashford Borough Council is issuing eligible residents with £100 food vouchers.
The vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and are limited to one award per household.
Applications are open now and close on Thursday, September 14, or when the allocated funds are used up.
You will be eligible for assistance if you meet the following criteria:
- are aged 16 or over
- are a Kent resident who permanently lives in one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (excluding Medway, Bexley or Bromley)
- are in receipt of means tested benefits, or your household income is less than £40,000 a year before tax
- Do not have more than £1,000 in savings
- Do not receive free school meals support for any child within your household
How do I apply?
If you think you might be eligible you can apply online on the government website.
Proof of address will be required when applying for the voucher.
If you are successful you will receive a £100 e-voucher via email or text.
This will contain a code that will enable you to redeem the voucher through the issuer's website.
Once this has been done your voucher can then be redeemed against food costs.
What other help can I get?
If you aren't eligible for help via the Household Support Fund, you might be entitled to a cost of living payment.
The Government is handing out payments to millions of people this year and into 2024. They are worth £900, £300 and £150, totalling £1,350.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to all three.
The £900 payment has been split into three instalments worth £301, £300 and £299.
The first instalment has already been made to millions of people.
The second and third instalments will be made for most people this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.
In North Yorkshire thousands of locals received electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325 and the council have stated they will be delivering a fourth phase of help later this year.
Buckinghamshire Council have also extended their support after receiving £4.8million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
Read More on The Sun
Inside Paris Fury’s relatable life – from days out with her 6 kids to B&M trips
EastEnders legend unrecognisable 25 years after shock soap exit
Residents in North Norfolk District Council are also set to see a fourth round of the HSF from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 but details are still being finalised.
Those needing help in Shropshire have also been granted a fourth round of HSF funds from April 1, 2023 and details are yet to be confirmed.
Source: Read Full Article