Households in a specific area of the UK are receiving £70 supermarket vouchers to assist with living expenses. Wakefield Council is distributing these vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund initiative. Different councils offer their own versions of the fund, providing various forms of assistance like energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
The vouchers are targeted at low-income households receiving council tax support. Pensioners who receive Council Tax Support have already been issued a £70 voucher in November, with additional vouchers planned for other eligible households. Families receiving Council Tax Support will receive a £50 voucher starting December 15, while all other qualifying households will get a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12.
Eligible recipients will automatically receive the vouchers without needing to apply, typically within 14 days of the specified distribution dates. Wakefield Council advises residents to remain vigilant against potential scammers.
For residents outside Wakefield, it is recommended to check with local councils for support available through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Blackpool Council is providing £200 energy assistance to eligible households, with larger households of three or more individuals receiving £300. Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and provide recent bank statements for all household members.
Applying for the fund does not require receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, but individuals can only claim one award within a 12-month period. Payments are sent directly to energy providers and reflect as credits on bills or pre-payment meters. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is granting £120 worth of vouchers to qualifying residents. Working-age households with Council Tax Reduction have received two £60 vouchers each in late November, with a similar distribution planned for pensioner households in January. Additionally, one-off payments of £120 are available for low-income residents paying energy bills without Council Tax Reduction.
The council has warned residents about potential fraudsters claiming entitlement to Household Support Fund payments via text or email requests for bank details. The council emphasizes that vouchers are always distributed by letter and bank details are not required for their use.
For more information on the Household Support Fund in your area, visit your local council’s website for available assistance programs.