THOUSANDS of households are set to get £175 in cost of living cash in just weeks.
The money, which is being dished out to spend on groceries, is part of the national Household Support Fund (HSF).
The government has pumped a further £842million into the pot of cash which councils are giving out to local residents.
The HSF is designed to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
Each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
The vouchers or cash 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.
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What is the Household Support Fund and how do I apply?
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You'll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
Thousands of residents in Ealing will be given £175 in supermarket vouchers to spend in October.
Those eligible include families on housing benefit or council tax support but not on DWP benefits.
Meanwhile, households in non residential care where council contributes to care costs will get £100 in the coupons.
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That's not all, families eligible for benefits related free school meals, based on low income, will get £15 worth in vouchers per child too.
Families with children under the age of five, who get housing benefit and/ or council tax reduction will get £15 per household.
And, Ealing care leavers will get supermarket vouchers worth £50 per person.
These vouchers will be issued through the Post Office and all eligible recipients will get a letter explaining how to claim their money.
If you are eligible, you do not need to apply for the vouchers, just wait to receive the letter with a special code.
There's more help available too set to be dished out in February next year.
Below we outline the support for those who don't live in Ealing.
Can I get help if I don't live in Ealing?
Yes, but the help available to you will depend on where you live.
Each council is distributing their share of the HSF differently.
Some are handing out vouchers, while others are making bank transfers to eligible residents.
The amount you are entitled to will vary depending on the area you live in too.
If you’re not sure which council is in charge of your area, you can tap your postcode into the government’s local council checker tool to find out.
The most common types of support provided each year are supermarket vouchers, fuel vouchers and one-off payments.
Bear in mind that many councils haven't opened the application process for the next round of funding yet, so keep an eye out.
What energy bill help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
A further two payments are due in the Autumn later this year as well as Spring 2024.
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment later this year.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you're struggling.
You can get a grant from your energy supplier if you're really struggling and need help paying off debts.
Scottish Power, for example, gives up to £750 per household to the most hard-up households.
Most hardship funds have no deadline and you can apply all year round.
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Meanwhile, those struggling can apply for a range of schemes that provide free cash, vouchers and more and you could get thousands of pounds – see our full list.
Plus, here is the full list of benefits that don't qualify for the cost of living payments.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
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