Thousands of families can claim up to £150 free supermarket vouchers for food and essentials

STRUGGLING homeowners can now claim up to £150 in supermarket vouchers.

The Household Support Fund is a scheme set up by the government to help cash-tight Brits with bills and essentials.

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The scheme began in October 2021 with a £500million plan to help vulnerable households.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak doubled the scheme in February this year to £1billion, and announced in May that a further £500million would be added to the pot.

The extra help comes as millions face a huge rise in energy bills and food costs.

So the government has stepped in to help those on the brink with free cash, vouchers and more support. 

How can I claim £150 in vouchers?

In North Yorkshire, residents can claim up to £150 in electronic vouchers if they’re part of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and have a child under the age of 19.

You can also claim £150 if you or your partner are of pension age on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Each council decides how to use its budget to help local residents. For more on what you could claim, check your nearest council website.

The amount you can get, how you get it and who is eligible can vary depending on where you live.

Not all residents will be eligible for support, though, so it’s worth checking the local requirements to see if you can get anything.

In North Yorkshire, if you’re of working age, don’t have children and you’re getting the maximum discount to help pay your council tax, you can still claim up to £75.

You’ll only get one payment per household if you’re eligible, though, but double check for any exceptions.

Everyone who is eligible will get a letter by next month. This will have tips on how to claim and use your e-vouchers.

Vouchers can be redeemed at any of these supermarket chains:

• Aldi
• Tesco
• Asda
• Farm Foods
• Iceland
• Marks & Spencer
• Morrisons
• Sainsbury’s
• Waitrose

You’ll be able to use your vouchers in store, although you can use them online for some supermarkets.

To find out whether you’re eligible for the Household Support Fund, you can use your council’s online checker.

Can I get help if I don’t live in North Yorkshire?

Yes. Each council has been given a portion of funding to distribute to their residents. This can be via free cash, vouchers or discount codes, so make sure you check what your council is offering.

For example, Derby Council provides families with support during the school term break with up to £120 in free cash.

In Medway, residents can claim up to £210 in vouchers.

Also, if you find you’re not eligible but still need support, you can check in with your energy suppliers to see what grants are on offer.

Don’t forget to look at the government’s council checker tool help you find relevant support. Just type in your post code.

But don’t worry if you’re stuck or don’t think you’re eligible. Here are some contacts who will keep you afloat for the time being:

• National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
• Step Change – 0800 138 1111
• Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk