Costs in the UK are soaring for individuals and families, with 2022 set to be an even tougher financial struggle.
There are also many families in the country that are living on the edge of poverty and struggling after a £20 cut in universal credit payments.
However, the Household Support fund could help those that are eligible for the scheme to stay afloat in these tough times.
The government first launched the fund in September, providing £500million in cash to help vulnerable people pay for food, clothing and other household bills.
And, with the Covid local support grant coming to an end in September, many eligible households across the UK can now claim up to £144 through their local council. Here are all the details you need to know.
Who is eligible for the Household Support fund?
To be eligible for the fund, households must be claiming at least one of the qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Each council may have different eligibility criteria and application processes, so anyone who believes they may be eligible is advised to check their local councils’ website.
Potential applicants can also find their local councils’ website through the postcode checker provided on the government website.
Individual councils may also have different deadlines and amounts of funding that they can offer to claimants, so it's crucial that you check to see your eligibility and apply for the fund as soon as possible.
How much can you get from the Household Support fund?
The exact amount you can get from the Household Support fund varies depending on where you're based. Each council can decide the requirements, amounts and claims process for families and individuals to receive their due share.
For instance, households in Durham can apply for £60 in food vouchers in January, 2022. There are also vouchers for fuel and boiler repairs available.
Similarly, the Herefordshire Council is accepting applications for a one-off £60 payment to help families in the area. People in West Northamptonshire can get financial help of up to £120 with their energy bills.
Since individual councils are giving out the cash on a case-by-case basis, it's best to check directly with your local authority to claim what you're due.
How to get the £140 supermarket vouchers for shops including Tesco, Morrisons and Asda
Under the fund, some authorities are offering £100 in free cash to families and up to £60 worth of vouchers for children's clothing while others are offering up to £120 in vouchers towards energy bills.
However, some councils are giving families food vouchers to spend at supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons and Asda. For example, those living in Leicestershire can get food vouchers worth up to £140 for a family of four.
Families that are struggling to get food on the table, due to financial strains, can get £40 worth of food vouchers per adult and £30 per child.
If households have more than one adult living within one home, they can get £40 per person, while those living alone can get £50.
Only one application can be made per household for these vouchers and it can be only be made by the person whose name appears on your council tax bill.
If you're successful in your application, then you'll receive your vouchers within 10 working days. They could also be emailed to you if you've provided an email address, so keep an eye on your inbox.
