HOUSEHOLDS have one last chance to apply for £150 supermarket vouchers before a crucial deadline.
The extra help is funded by the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) and helps hard-up Brits with the high cost of living.
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The official deadline for the central funding is March 31, 2024.
However, several councils have set deadlines before this so it’s important to get your application in on time or you risk missing out.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
Councils are allocating their share to residents in need, in most cases those on a low income or benefits.
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That means what you can get is a postcode lottery, but it’s worth seeing if you are entitled to help.
For example, Dorset Council is reopening applications for the final round of its HSF scheme for low-income households in the area today, March 5, at 10am.
Funds are limited for each application window and the form will close when they have been allocated.
Residents who meet the eligibility criteria will be issued the vouchers within six to eight weeks from when they apply.
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Households can apply if they:
- an annual household net income of less than £30,000 and
- savings of less than £16,000 and
- not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last six months
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Personal Independence Payments such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit should not be included when calculating the net income.
Residents can apply online and the vouchers can be spent at most of the major supermarkets including Asda, Aldi, B&M, Farmfoods, Iceland, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
Dorset Council has reopened for applications once a month but this is the final slice of funding before the central pot deadline.
What is the Household Support Fund?
THE Household Support Fund is a government-funded cash pot given to councils to support those struggling with essential costs.
It was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
It was then extended for a second time in the Spring Budget in March 2022 and for a third time in November to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
In February 2023, the DWP confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.
It’s yet to confirm any further extensions.
The support available varies but some residents may given free cash or vouchers to pay for essentials like energy bills or grocery bills.
You do not need to be on benefits to be eligible for this fund but it will not affect any benefits you receive.
You should check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.
If you don’t live in Dorset
To get the help, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.
Once you’ve found your council, there should be information on how to apply on its website.
Each council will have a different application process – so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
That means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund could also vary.
Some councils won’t require you to apply for the help and they’ll contact you about it instead if you qualify.
If there’s no information on your council’s website, then it’s best to ring them up and ask for more information.
What other support is available?
If you don’t qualify for the Household Support Fund in your local area you may still be entitled to additional support.
The third instalment of the cost of living support payment hit bank accounts last month.
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Those eligible should have received a tax-free payment by February 22 – take action now if you haven’t had yours and think you qualify.
Or, you could qualify for a cold weather payment worth £25.
