Thousands of struggling families can get supermarket vouchers worth £105 over summer holidays – do you qualify?

THOUSANDS of families are set to receive a helping hand this summer, thanks to a new scheme offering supermarket vouchers worth up to £105.

The government has extended its Household Support Fund until the end of September 2024, originally due to end in March.

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This summer supermarket vouchers worth up to £105 are being provided to support with the cost of food for 6 weeks.

The fund provides financial assistance to families struggling with the cost of living, with over 8,000 children already benefiting from supermarket vouchers this summer.

WHAT IS HSF?

The Household Support Fund is a government initiative designed to help families with the rising cost of living.

First introduced in October 2021, the scheme has been extended five times, with councils across the UK receiving a portion of a £421million pot to distribute to those in need.

The support available varies by location, but it could include supermarket vouchers, energy bill support, or even cash grants.

And don’t worry, receiving this support won’t affect any other benefits you’re claiming.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the summer £105 supermarket voucher is based on the following specific criteria:

• Residents of Central Bedfordshire
• Any household that meets one or more of the following criteria:
• Eligible and claiming for free school meals (including 2-year-old funding for disadvantaged families or Early Years Pupil Premium)
• A care leaver (young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old who have previously spent time in care before they were 18 years old

If you qualify, you’ll be contacted directly by text or email with instructions on how to claim your vouchers.

Children who receive free school meals and attend a Central Bedfordshire school will be entitled to a £105 supermarket voucher to support with the cost of food for the six weeks of summer.

The supermarket vouchers were issued at the start of the summer holidays, and recipients had until the end of each holiday period to use them.

There’s no need to apply; if you’re eligible, the vouchers will come to you.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s best to check with your local authority.

They should have details of who’s eligible in your area, and you can use this interactive map to find out what’s available near you.

This support scheme is a much-needed boost for many families facing financial difficulties, ensuring that kids can have a nutritious meal even when school’s out.

For those outside of Central Bedfordshire you can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to.

Every council across the UK will have received funding for the support package, so if you are concerned about paying for bills or groceries contact your local council and enquire. 

You can locate where your local council is by using the Government’s council locator tool.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is worth £421million to local authorities across the country.

Some examples of what different areas are offering include in Plymouth, where the 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.

Meanwhile, in Blackpool, 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.

Elsewhere, waste reduction experts reveal how families can slash the cost of their weekly shop, as one woman puts their tips to the test.

You can also find five secrets to getting your groceries for less.