Households in a specific UK region are receiving £70 supermarket vouchers to assist with their living expenses. The initiative is part of the Household Support Fund provided by Wakefield Council. This fund varies among councils, offering aid such as energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
The food vouchers are being distributed by Wakefield Council to low-income households already receiving council tax assistance. Pensioners benefiting from Council Tax Support have already received a £70 voucher in November, with additional vouchers planned for other eligible households.
Starting December 15, families receiving Council Tax Support will receive a £50 voucher, while other eligible households will receive a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12. Eligible recipients do not need to apply for the vouchers as they will be sent automatically within 14 days of the specified dates. The council advises residents to be cautious of potential scammers.
Residents outside Wakefield are encouraged to inquire about similar support programs offered by their local councils through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Blackpool Council is providing energy assistance of £200 to qualifying households with one or two individuals, with larger households of three or more receiving £300.
Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and challenges in bill payment, providing recent bank statements for all household members. Eligibility does not depend on receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, but only one award is permitted within a 12-month period. Payments are made directly to energy providers, appearing as credits on bills or meters. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing £120 worth of vouchers to eligible residents. Working-age households with Council Tax Reduction received two £60 vouchers in late November, with another set to be distributed to pensioner households in early January. Additionally, one-off £120 payments are available for low-income residents paying energy bills without Council Tax Reduction support.