HOUSEHOLDS can now apply for cost of living cash worth £275, and this is how you could do it.
The Government has set up a grant called the Household Support Fund (HSF) which runs from this month until March 2026.
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The scheme has been drawn up to help with the rising cost of living crisis and support those in the UK that are most in need.
Although the government states that the money given is not charity, those who apply do not need to pay anything back.
It’s a central pot of money worth £742million that is shared between local authorities, who then decide who to offer the help to.
Every council has been given a different amount of money to share between their residents in need.
READ MORE ON COST OF LIVING
Which means that the amount you can get and how the money will be distributed will vary depending on where you live.
For Cambridge County council, the support aims to help those going through immediate financial hardship.
According to the website, it will come in the form of financial vouchers or cash payments.
These aim to assist those that specifically need help covering the cost of food and household energy bills.
As part of this, the Holiday Voucher Scheme offers households supermarket vouchers to those that receive Free School Meals.
During the school holidays, every week vouchers worth £15 will be issued for each child who is eligible.
Between now and March 31 2026, there are generally eleven weeks of school holidays.
This means that if you are eligible, at £15 a week you would be able to claim a total of £165.
Alongside the financial award of £110 per household, the total payment households will receive will come to £275.
These will come in the form of either a PayPoint cashout voucher, a supermarket voucher, a PayPoint energy voucher or a BACS transfer.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
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