Thousands of families can get up to £80 FREE cash this winter – check if you’re eligible

STRUGGLING families can get help this winter through their local council - including up to £80 free cash.

The money comes as millions of Brits face higher bills - from energy to food shops.

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The government has dished out £500m to local authorities in England through the Household Support Fund.

Families and individuals who need help to cover essential living costs can apply for the cash.

How much they can get will depend on where they are, but one location is offering one-off payments of up to £80.

Spelthorne borough council in Surrey is offering £50 per household for those over 70 and £60 for those under 70 with no children.

Families with children can get £80 - and it's cash you don't have to pay back.

You'll only be able to get the cash payment once and it's for households deemed vulnerable.

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So as well as living in the area, you'll need to be getting certain benefits, including:

• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Employment Support Allowance (Income related)
• Pension Credit

You can and find the full details of how to get the cash, which is being handed out between now and March 2022.

If you live elsewhere you can access the funds too, but what you get varies depending on where you are.

Each local authority is giving out the cash on a case-by-case basis.

For example in Manchester you can get up to £100, and will get it automatically if you already get council tax support.

In Herefordshire there's £60 per household and residents of Northamptonshire can get £120 in vouchers.

The exact amount and who's eligible will depend on you local council - you can check what's available in your local area with

But beware there may be a deadline for applying, and in some areas that has already passed.

It's also worth applying sooner rather than later as there is a limited pot of cash to hand out.

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If you're struggling with bills or other essentials there's other help you could get too.

Here's what you could get to help you pay council tax, energy, water bills and more.