HARD-UP households can get free cash and food vouchers as inflation hits a 40-year-high.
The extra support comes as part of the government’s Household Support Fund, which was extended in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement.
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The £500m fund was first launched last year to help cover the cost of bills, food and other essentials over the tough winter period.
It was intended to run for six months until March 31, 2022 but another £500m has been made injected to the scheme so it can continue until September 2022.
The new pot of cash are being distributed to local councils according to the size, population and needs of each area.
It comes as inflation soared to 9% in April, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
This means Brits have less purchasing power than before as households are already battling rocketing energy bills along with hiked tax bills that came in last month.
The extension to the Household Support Fund has been a welcome relief to thousands of struggling families, who will be able to get free cash and food vouchers among other support.
How can I claim free cash and food vouchers?
Each council decides how to use its budget to help local residents, with many previously offering supermarket and fuel vouchers or one-off payments.
Not all residents can receive the support due to eligibility requirements which can be viewed on each local council’s website.
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Essex County Council is giving eligible cash-strapped residents at pension age a payment of £80.
The free cash is available to those who have reached state pension age by 30 September 2022 and receive means tested benefit.
The County Council is also dishing out food vouchers worth of £15 per child per week for the May and summer holidays.
The authority’s website explains that schools and childcare settings will be contacted and eligible parents will later be notified.
If you’re not sure whether you fit the criteria, speak to the council directly.
The Council’s Essential Living Fund, which helps households on low income pay for essentials such as food and utilities, has also been given an additional pot of money.
You can check if you are eligible and how you can apply through its website.
Can I get cash help if I don’t live in Essex?
Yes. Each council has been given a portion of the funding to help local residents across the UK.
To find out what support is on offer in your area, speak directly to your local council, or visit its website for more details.
You can find your relevant authorities by using the government’s local council checker tool and inputting your postcode.
If you find that you’re not eligible for the fund but still require help, there are other organisations and charities you can reach out to.
Here are some contacts that could help tide you over for a while:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Step Change – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
Meanwhile, major energy providers have stepped in to help, offering grants that hard-up bill payers can take advantage of.
British Gas recently doubled the emergency credit available to prepayment meter customers.
You should also check there is money you are missing out on – around £4billion in total of Universal Credit is going unclaimed working out as £220 each month.
And don’t forget, the £150 Council Tax rebate is being paid into thousands of people’s accounts already, so look out for that too.
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