THOUSANDS can still apply for vouchers worth £275 – there’s not long left to claim, but the good news is the cash boost can get to you in just DAYS.
The money is part of one council’s take on the national Household Support Fund.
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The fund is designed to help struggling families, and in this particular case they can get help with food costs and other essentials.
It comes as prices in the supermarket rocket, while bills at home are rising at an alarming rate too.
In just weeks energy bills are due to rise a record £693, putting more financial strain on households’ wallets, as Brits are already forking out more on groceries.
Those pressures have even left some choosing between heating and eating as a cost of living crisis bites hard.
In the big picture, the £500million scheme has been handed out to different councils across the UK, and each has been tasked with deciding how to use the funds locally.
North Yorkshire County Council is offering residents £275 in vouchers that can be spent on food and essentials from supermarkets like Aldi, Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
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Those that are successful in applying for the funds only have a five day wait to receive the money too.
That’s because the full £275 voucher is sent virtually, so it’ll appear in your email inbox in under a week.
It takes about 24 hours to check your details then the voucher provider will send your funds within five days after that.
You’ll be able to use the code you’re sent to scan in-store straight away, or online at the supermarket you choose.
But if you request printed vouchers, it’ll take longer to arrive – and could be up to a 10 day wait.
To be eligible you have to be a resident already getting help with council tax, and have a child age under 19 living at home.
Most will have already been sent a letter with details on how to apply for the help online, but you can still apply without it – just click the “I’ve lost my letter” option even if you never got one.
Originally the deadline was February 28 but households have until March 20 to apply now, and until March 29 to have claimed their vouchers.
If you don’t live in North Yorkshire, you don’t have to worry – other councils offer their own support too.
For example, Runnymede Council in Surrey is giving residents up to £800 to pay for food, heating, white goods and essential repairs.
Those in Bromsgrove and Redditch can apply for the HSF through Citizens Advice, with the maximum amount awarded per household £500.
And Barnsley residents can get up to £200 to spend in supermarkets, including Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
The support that’s available varies between councils, so you’ll need to check with your local authority as to what help is available where you live.
But, be mindful that the whole scheme closes at the end of the month, so there’s a tight deadline to get your details in, wherever you live, if you think you’re eligible.
Households can get up to £800 to help with energy bills this winter as well which includes the £200 energy rebate and more.
Plus those still struggling on the food side, don’t have long left to apply for the £442 worth of help that comes from The Healthy Food Start vouchers.
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