THOUSANDS of hard-up households could get up to £65 worth of free food vouchers this month – we explain how to claim the help.
Millions were hit by a triple whammy of rising interest rates, soaring energy bills and runaway inflation this week.
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The Bank of England hiked interest rates to 1.75%, which means borrowers could be stung with higher rates to pay back on loans.
While a billing shake-up revealed by Ofgem will see more frequent bill rises, as households face paying just shy of £4,000 for their energy on average this winter.
Finally, the nation was warned inflation could hit an unbelievable 15% by the end of the year.
It means households have been told to brace themselves for a 15-month long recession – and many will be concerned over how to pay for essentials.
But there is help available – such as the Household Support Fund.
The scheme, which has had £1.5billion piled into it so far, sees local authorities given a slice of funding to dish out to hard-up residents.
The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is.
But Eastleigh Borough Council is launching a new food voucher programme under the scheme that could see you get up to £65 free.
It’s rolling out in August and eligible households will get the vouchers sent automatically – there’s no need to apply.
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Those who receive council tax support will get £30 worth of vouchers.
While you can get a £65 voucher per person if you claim Guaranteed Pension Credits or Savings Pension Credit.
You’ll be able to use your vouchers in supermarkets, which will come in handy as grocery prices soar.
What if I’m not eligible?
If you don’t live in the Eastleigh Borough Council catchment area, you can find out who your local council is and see what help they have on offer.
Use the gov.uk‘s council checker tool to see who your local authority is.
To find out what support is on offer in your area, speak directly to your local council, or visit its website for more details.
For example, Torbay Council offers residents a maximum amount of £50 towards food or energy bills.
While Derby council is offering £120 in cash to struggling residents.
If you find you’re not eligible but still need support, you can apply for other help schemes to get money for groceries.
Parents and mums-to-be can make the most of the Healthy Start scheme.
You can claim money to put towards milk, vegetables and other fridge essentials.
While the welfare assistance programme sees councils give out cash and vouchers to help them pay for essential bills.
You can get up to £1,000 in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
