Thousands of struggling households can now apply for a free £100 voucher to help with the cost of living.
The money is being issued by Peterborough City Council as part of the Household Support Fund. The Household Support Fund is a scheme that allows local councils to award specific help to residents who are behind on bills, or on low incomes.
It is down to each local authority to decide what support to give, and who gets it, which means many households face a postcode lottery when it comes to what help is available. The help normally comes in the form of one-off cash payments that don't need to be paid back, or vouchers for food or energy.
In order to receive help from Peterborough City Council, you must be over the age of 65 and on a low income, but not receiving Pension Credit. You must also have less than £10,000 in savings and live within the Peterborough City Council area.
If you're eligible for the £100 voucher, you can redeem it at the Post Office to top up your energy account, or spend them at a supermarket. Each person will be assessed individually on their need for financial support. To apply for a voucher, you need to contact Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on 01733 564 185 or by emailing pbws@ageukcap.org.uk.
The Household Support Fund was due to end on September 30, 2024 but it has been extended for an additional six months, until March 31, 2025, costing a total of £421million. If you're not a Peterborough resident, it is worth checking the website of your local council to see what help it could potentially offer you. For example, Nottingham City Council has opted to provide supermarket and energy vouchers.
Each household can get two energy support vouchers worth £49 each and one £75 supermarket voucher each month. Free school meal vouchers worth £15 a week will also be sent out over the Christmas and February school holidays.
People living in Rotherham are able to claim the £250 support this winter. To qualify, you must have no more than £150 remaining each month after covering essential expenses like food, rent or mortgage, and utility bills. The funding is not means-tested but only one application can be made per household.
Blackpool Council will be giving payments of up to £300 to households who are struggling to cover energy or water costs. The money will be paid directly to your supplier and will appear as a credit on your bill or prepay meter. According to the council's website, households of one or two people can get a £200 payment, while households of three or more are able to claim £300.