THOUSANDS of households can apply for a £100 free cash boost to put towards food costs.
The grant is part of the £500million Household Support Fund, which is designed to help hard-up families pay for essentials.
The help available differs across the country, and each council has set their own eligibility criteria.
For example. residents of Reigate and Banstead in Surrey can get the payment if they have dependent children and receive a council tax reduction.
Those families will be sent a letter this month or next including a website link which will direct them to a short form to fill out.
You need to provide proof that you live at a valid address in the area.
Other struggling households can get the £100 payment but they have to be referred.
If you live in Reigate and Banstead you can contact the local Citizens Advice branch for a referral.
Other options include the local housing association Raven Housing and the council, if you’re already in contact with the team.
Councils across the country are giving out different amounts and have varying ways to apply.
For example in Elmbridge in Surrey you can also get a one-off payment of £100 to help pay for food and bills until Jan 31.
Families in Barnsley can apply for supermarket vouchers worth up to £200.
North Yorkshire residents can get £275 of free supermarket vouchers for food and essentials.
To find out what help you can get where you live, you can find your local council using the search tool on gov.uk – just enter your postcode.
You can then see the help you can get from the Household Support Fund, who’s eligible and how to apply.