THOUSANDS of Brits have been issued an urgent message as they risk to miss out on £400 supermarket vouchers.
North Yorkshire Council is urging people to claim the free cash support as part of the Household Support Fund scheme.
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The government is rolling out the another phase of the scheme – which gives vouchers to struggling Brits.
But hard-up households are urged to rush as the help closes next October 24.
To claim the fund you should have received housing benefit between January 26 and February 26 this year.
But only if you didn’t qualify for an earlier round of vouchers this spring.
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People on the maximum council tax discount in the county on of August 14 can also apply for a £110 voucher.
If you meet the criteria for both housing benefit and maximum council tax reduction will get a free £450 voucher.
Those eligible should have received a letter on September 22 and can enter the code on the letter to select their vouchers online.
The vouchers can be spent at nine major supermarkets – including Aldi, Asda, Farmfoods, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
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For online customers, Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose offer both in-store and online shopping.
If you haven’t received a letter but believe you might be entitled, you can check your eligibility on the North Yorkshire Council’s website.
The Household Support Fund was launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid a cost of living crisis.
Councils around the country got part of the £500million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
Who is eligible?
Ashford Borough Council is issuing eligible residents with £100 food vouchers.
The vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and are limited to one award per household.
Applications are open now and close on Thursday, September 14, or when the allocated funds are used up.
You will be eligible for assistance if you meet the following criteria:
- are aged 16 or over
- are a Kent resident who permanently lives in one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (excluding Medway, Bexley or Bromley)
- are in receipt of means tested benefits, or your household income is less than £40,000 a year before tax
- Do not have more than £1,000 in savings
- Do not receive free school meals support for any child within your household
How do I apply?
If you think you might be eligible you can apply online on the government website.
Proof of address will be required when applying for the voucher.
If you are successful you will receive a £100 e-voucher via email or text.
This will contain a code that will enable you to redeem the voucher through the issuer’s website.
Once this has been done your voucher can then be redeemed against food costs.
What other help can I get?
If you aren’t eligible for help via the Household Support Fund, you might be entitled to a cost of living payment.
The Government is handing out payments to millions of people this year and into 2024. They are worth £900, £300 and £150, totalling £1,350.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to all three.
The £900 payment has been split into three instalments worth £301, £300 and £299.
The first instalment has already been made to millions of people.
The second and third instalments will be made for most people this autumn and in spring 2024 respectively.
In North Yorkshire thousands of locals received electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325 and the council have stated they will be delivering a fourth phase of help later this year.
Buckinghamshire Council have also extended their support after receiving £4.8million for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
Residents in North Norfolk District Council are also set to see a fourth round of the HSF from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 but details are still being finalised.
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Those needing help in Shropshire have also been granted a fourth round of HSF funds from April 1, 2023 and details are yet to be confirmed.
