HELPING HAND
Thousands of households could claim free food vouchers and energy-saving gadgets worth more than £150
You could get a free slow cooker or heat pad
THOUSANDS of households can apply for cost of living vouchers worth £115 to help with food or energy, plus gadgets that further reduce energy bills.
The financial aid comes from the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is a government funded pot worth £421 million.
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Low-income households can tap into the fund to pay for shopping, bills or essentials such as clothing and hygiene products.
The support was first introduced by the Government in 2021 and since then, it has been extended several times.
Local councils distribute funds to those most in need in their area, with each authority setting their own criteria for those that qualify for help and how it is best offered.
It means the support available varies across the country and what you can get and whether you qualify completely depends on where you live.
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Often you will have to be signed up to certain benefits to get the help but not always.
Derby council has now received funding, and revealed details on who can apply for a vouchers and gadgets worth more than £150.
The council is offering vouchers worth up to £75 for food, and another £40 for energy.
Households can also get £150 of items to further help with keeping energy bills down, such as energy-saving lightbulbs, heat pads and slow cookers.
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Children who are eligible for free school meals will also be able to get food vouchers for holiday periods worth £100.
Any household that can demonstrate financial hardship can apply for the vouchers, according to Derby Council.
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Since June, the council has already handed out help to more than 4,400 households.
The essential items are being issued through local schemes to vulnerable households in financial crisis.
Schemes are remaining open until funding is allocated or until the end of September.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times.
The latest round of funding is worth £421 million to councils in England so that they could help struggling household.
Who qualifies is a postcode lottery too, as each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria.
However, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, are classed as vulnerable or are on benefits, you will likely qualify for help.
Can I get help if I don't live in Derby?
The HSF was extended in the Government's Spring Budget until September and many councils are accepting applications.
For example, Medway Council in Kent, South-East England, is offering thousands of households supermarket vouchers worth up to £225.
Some could qualify for electronic energy cards or e-vouchers to cover water bills worth £100 too.
In Cambridgeshire, residents in need of support can apply for a financial award of £110 per household.
Even better, residents can apply twice for support between 1 April and September 30 this year, meaning each household could be in line to receive as much as £220.
The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 into your bank account, or split between different types of vouchers.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
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You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
Where is the HSF available?
Plymouth - up to £740
Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.
Blackpool - up to £300
Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
Middlesbrough - up to £70
People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child.
Leicestershire - up to £300
Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Leeds - up to £100
Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
Bracknell Forest - up to £315
Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits.
Cambridgeshire County - up to £220
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers.
Falkirk - up to £470
The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200.
Stockport - up to £315
Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers.
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