Hard-up households can claim £173 energy and supermarket vouchers from TOMORROW
11/03/2024 07:45 AM
STRUGGLING households will be able to claim £173 in energy and supermarket vouchers from tomorrow, under a government scheme.
Hard-up residents in Nottingham will be able to apply for the freebies from 10am – which also include free school meals vouchers.
A new batch of vouchers will be allocated by Nottingham City Council on a monthly basis until March 2025.
Eligible households could receive as many as two energy vouchers per month, worth £49 each, through the bill-paying company PayPoint.
They could also land one supermarket voucher worth £75 per month.
The support is made possible by a £421 million lump distributed to local councils by the Department for Work and Pensions – called the Household Support Fund (HSF).
This was introduced back in 2021 and its extension to a sixth round was announced in September.
It is currently being used in areas across the country to support residents with the cost-of-living crisis.
Cheryl Barnard, of Nottingham City Council, said: "During the cost-of-living crisis the support provided by the Council, charities and through schemes such as HSF has been a lifeline to many, and the announcement of the extension of the Household Support Fund until April 2025 was welcome news for struggling households across the city.
"I'm proud of the help the Council has been able to deliver to those most in need over these last few years with things such as food and energybills, and that this support will continue to be available for residents to apply for throughout the difficult winter months.
"Households struggling financially should look on the Council's HSF webpage to find out what support they may be eligible for and apply for it as soon as possible, as these are limited on a first come, first served basis. Our website also provides plenty of further advice and avenues for support for those who may need it."
Councils can allocate the Household Support Fund as they wish – with some opting for Post Office vouchers or support with water bills.
Households in Leicestershire have even able to apply for a financial award of £300 per household, which was paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food.
And Leeds residents were able to claim council tax support – with those with dependent children able to claim up to £100 and those without children able to receive £25.
How do you apply?
To get the help, you’ll need to look it up with your council because local authorities are the ones responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Once you’ve identified your local council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding online.
Every council has a separate application process, meaning specific details regarding how to apply depend on whereabouts you live.
The eligibility requirements to access the fund might vary in addition so it’s best to check with your local council for further details.
Some councils won’t need you to apply for help and will get in touch instead if you qualify.
If you can’t find any information on your council’s website, it’ s a good idea to call them and ask for further information.
Where else is the HSF available?
Plymouth – up to £740
Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.
Blackpool – up to £300
Households with one or two people – including children – will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
Middlesbrough – up to £70
People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you’ll get a voucher for £70 per child.
Leicestershire – up to £300
Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Leeds – up to £100
Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
Bracknell Forest – up to £315
Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits.
Cambridgeshire County – up to £220
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers.
Falkirk – up to £470
The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200.
Stockport – up to £315
Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers.
