Households in a specific region of the UK are receiving £70 supermarket vouchers to assist with living costs. The initiative is part of the Household Support Fund, managed by Wakefield Council. This fund offers various forms of assistance, including energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
The vouchers are being distributed to low-income households that receive council tax support, with pensioners who receive Council Tax Support already receiving a £70 voucher in November. Additional vouchers are scheduled for distribution to other eligible households.
Starting on December 15, families receiving Council Tax Support will receive a £50 voucher, while all other households eligible for Council Tax Support 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 automatically sent within 14 days of the specified dates. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential scammers.
It is recommended that individuals residing outside of Wakefield check with their local council to explore potential support through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Blackpool Council is providing £200 in energy assistance to eligible households with one or two members, and £300 to qualifying households with three or more members.
To qualify for support, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and an inability to meet bill payments. Bank statements for all household members must be provided as evidence. Applicants do not need to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to apply, but only one award can be claimed within a 12-month period.
The assistance is directly paid to the energy provider and reflected as a credit on the bill or pre-payment meter. Application details are available on the Blackpool Council website. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is also distributing £120 worth of vouchers to eligible residents, with different distribution schedules based on household composition and Council Tax Reduction status.
Residents on low incomes who pay energy bills and do not receive Council Tax Reduction may also qualify for a one-off payment of £120. It is important to remain vigilant against fraudulent messages claiming to offer benefits from the Household Support Fund, as genuine vouchers are always issued by letter, and bank details are not required for their use.