HOUSEHOLDS have just days to go before they can apply for £50 free supermarket vouchers.
Cash strapped families can get greater support via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of cash that local councils give out to households on low income, but it varies based on where you live.
The support package was introduced by the Government in 2021, however it has been extended a number of times.
How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial situation.
Southampton City Council is offering hard pressed households free supermarket vouchers which could be worth over £50.
Applications for the support open on Wednesday, August 28.
You can apply via the councils website.
Also, if you are living with multiple people, you could get an extra £10 to help with your food shop.
For example, if you applied for the supermarket voucher you would be awarded £50 and then given an extra £10 each for your partner and two children.
This would take the total voucher up to £80.
It is expected that around 4,000 people in Southampton will be helped through the scheme.
However, locals should be aware that they can only receive support once.
So, if you received support in June, you can not apply again this August.
The council is also working with a number of local organisations, who are referring struggling households for supermarket vouchers and a prepayment meter top up.
This is worth up to £98 and claimants could also get a free washing machine, cooker or fridge alongside the help.
But remember you cannot apply for this yourself you need to referred.
However, if you are really struggling it might be worth ringing your local council and seeing if they can help.
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Every council across the UK will have received funding for the support package, so if you are concerned about paying for bills or groceries contact your local council and enquire.
You can locate where your local council is by using the Government’s council locator tool.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is worth £421million to local authorities across the country.
The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map which shows how much you can claim in your area.
Check it out by clicking the link here.
The latest local authority to dish out help to those who need it, is Enfield Council.
Nearly £3million has been allocated to support the vulnerable in the north London borough amid rising energy bills and cost of living.
The funding was granted on April 1, 2024, and needs to be spent by September 30.
Financial support available to struggling households varies from council to council, so it is worth checking what schemes your local council offers to ensure you get all the support you need.
The benefits you already receive will not be impacted by applying for the HSF.
And, you do not necessarily need to receive benefits in the first place to get vouchers or funds from the HSF.
How do I apply?
To get the help, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
Information on how to apply for the funding should be published on your council’s website. Each council will have a different application process.
If there’s no information on your council’s website
