HARD-UP households have just hours left to grab up to £60 of supermarket vouchers amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
The extra support comes as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) initiative, which offers targeted help to struggling homes.
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The HSF was first rolled out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in October last year with a £500million pot to help vulnerable families get through the tough winter period.
The scheme was originally intended to run for six months, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a six month extension to the deadline in his Spring Statement.
This week, he said another £500million would be added to the scheme in October as part of his cost of living rescue plan.
The current batch of funding will be available until September 30 – but households are being urged to apply for help as soon as possible.
Local councils may have to stop dishing out help sooner if they use up their pot of cash.
The fund is designed to support people most in need, particularly those including children and pensioners who may be struggling with energy bills, food and water bills.
Money is dished out to local councils, which decide what sort of help to offer in their area and who is eligible.
It can come in the form of free cash grants, school meals vouchers, or money for essentials such as sanitary products or household items including fridges, freezers and ovens.
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It comes as inflation spiked to 9% in April in a bitter blow to families facing the cost-of-living crisis, and the energy regulator has warned that bills will reach £2,800 by October.
How can I claim the free cash?
Each council is allotted a portion of the HSF fund and determines how to budget to help local residents in need.
Some councils, such as Coventry City Council, are handing out supermarket vouchers.
Others, such as Torbay Council, are giving eligible cash-strapped residents a maximum of £50 towards food, and where necessary, another £50 towards energy bills.
Residents in Bolton have until 11.59pm on Sunday evening (May 29) to claim their share of the amount allotted to the council.
Families with children on free school meals can grab £60 supermarket vouchers per child for the summer holidays.
The vouchers will be automatically sent to you and residents do not need to apply.
The vouchers are set to be issued a week before the school holiday starts.
Targeted support is also on hand for residents who have reached the State Pension age.
Bolton Council is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to identify anyone who may be eligible and will contact them later this year.
Residents who need help with fuel or food now can apply for Local Welfare provision.
Anyone can apply for help with fuel (gas and electric) or food. You do not need to be receiving any benefits.
Bolton Council looks at:
- Why you need help
- Any previous awards you might have had
- The makeup of your household
Fuel help can only be offered to residents if they have a prepayment meter with either a card or key.
A Bolton Council spokesman said £900,000 from the HSF has been set aside for pensioners as well.
He added it was likely the money would be available later this summer and will come as a voucher.
More information is available on Bolton Council’s website.
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