PARENTS have just hours to claim free food vouchers and cash worth up to £500.
The support comes via the Government's Household Support Fund,which will close its current round today, March 31.
This round was worth £42million and was shared with councils across England.
That means how much you can get depends on where you live, however if you are on a low income or claiming benefits then you have a high chance of qualifying for support.
While, this current round is coming to a close, the scheme has been extended to run again between April and March 2026.
Many councils have already dished out support, but there are still a few authorities giving households a chance to claim.
Support ranges from free vouchers for food and cash valued up to £500.
To claim, you will need to live in the council handing out the support.
You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
CAMDEN COUNCIL
This London council is still giving households a chance to claim £500 in cost of living cash, but you will need to be quick.
The support is available to those in an “emergency financial situation”.
The deadline to apply for the support ends today, giving households just a few hours to submit their application.
To apply for the support you need to register for the council's Money Advice Service.
You can do this by visiting, www.camden.gov.uk/request-money-advice-and-support.
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council residents also only have a few hours to claim household support payments worth £200.
If you have made a successful claim before, you will not be accepted this time.
For example, if you received a £200 payment on May 31, 2024, you cannot make another application until June 1, 2025.
The council said making the payments to those “financial hardship”, particularly those struggling to cover the cost of food and energy.
If your claim is successful, you should be contacted within four weeks to complete the process.
SALFORD CITY COUNCIL
Today is also the last day struggling residents in Salford can apply for help.
The council says you don't need to be receiving benefits to apply, however you will need to provide evidence you don't have enough money to pay for food, fuel or energy.
Any support is issued via vouchers not cash payments.
But bear in mind if you have already received support from this scheme, you won't be accepted this time around.
WHAT OTHER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
The next round of funding for struggling households should open next month.
But if you are facing financial hardship you should be aware of support available to you.
For example you could get support worth up to £2,000 through the British Gas Energy Support Fund.
You can apply if you are a British Gas or Scottish Gas energy customer who is struggling to pay your bill and have sought financial advice.
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales, have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the last year and have a credit or prepayment meter with an outstanding account debt.
To apply visit britishgasenergy trust.org.uk/grants-available.
Those worried about hikes to council taxshould also see if they are eligible for a reduction.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
Also it does not matter whether you own your home or rent, anyone who is struggling financially can apply.
Elsewhere, those worries about rising water bills should apply for help.
Social tariffs are available to hard-up households and cut costs by as much as 90%.
But how help you can receive depends on where you live.
The most recent figures from Consumer Council for Water (CCW)show a £262 difference between the highest and lowest amount handed out in 2023/24.
To read more about reducing your water bill click the link here.
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.
The current round runs until the end of March 2025, but has been extended.
The next round will run between April 2025 and March 2026.
