FAMILIES struggling to get through the winter on stretched budgets could get fresh help.
Vouchers and one-off cash payments are being made available to hard-up households and it can be worth nearly £150.
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The government first announced the Household Support Fund in September and the £500m cash has been shared among local councils.
And it’s now up to them how they dish out the cash to families and individuals struggling.
For instance in Derbyshire is dishing out £64 and an extra £20 per person to put towards the cost of bills, food and living costs.
So a family of four could get £80 on top of the £64 adding up to £144 in total.
Anyone claiming the cash in the area must have already received support from the Derbyshire Discretionary fund.
Some eligible households will automatically receive a one-off food voucher worth around £50 too in January and February.
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If you’re in the area you can find out more about how to apply and who’s eligible on the council’s website.
If you live somewhere else you can get help too – but the amount and how you get it may be different.
To find what’s on offer you need to check with your local council and you can find yours by using this tool and searching you postcode.
It’s best to apply as soon as possible for the help as there’s a limited amount of cash they have to give out – and some have deadlines.
In some areas applications for the scheme have already closed and in others they may be closing soon.
Spelthorne borough council in Surrey is offering £50 per household for those over 70 and £60 for those under 70 with no children.
Families with children can get £80 – and it’s cash you don’t have to pay back.
The money comes as millions of Brits face higher bills – from energy to food shops.
Meanwhile in Herefordshire there’s £60 per household and residents of Northamptonshire can get £120 in vouchers.
The cash comes as millions of Brits struggle with higher bills and living costs.
Energy bills have rocketed while food costs are rising putting household budgets under serious pressure.
Family food shopping bills could jump by £180 a week next year as the cost of living continues to rise.
Energy bills could increase by as much as £1,000 next year.
If you’re struggling you could get other help too, including council tax discounts and money off your water bills – here’s how to check what you can get.
Martin Lewis reveals how households will pay 40% more for steeper energy bills next year
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