Thousands could get £30 per child in food vouchers – but you must claim ASAP
FAMILIES short on cash can claim £30 per child to help cover the cost of food shopping during February half term.
The government's £500million Household Support Fund has made extra money available to low-income families throughout the UK.
Households struggling to make ends meet can claim cash vouchers from their local authority to help cover costly winter essentials like food shopping.
The extra money comes at the right time for thousands of families affected by the cost of living crisis.
High and rising inflation has led the prices of supermarket staples to spiral.
But the availability of funding and how to apply for it depends on where you live.
Each council decides what help to offer and who is able to claim it .
You can find out via the government's website.
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How much cash is available - and who can claim it?
Nottinghamshire County Council - not to be confused with Nottingham City Council - is offering £30 cash vouchers per child to low-income families.
Households can get one voucher who each child claiming free school meals, 2-year-olds accessing funded childcare, or 3 and 4-year-olds receiving the Early Years Pupil Premium benefit.
But the money won't come into your bank account automatically.
The deadline for applying for the £30 vouchers is March 31 - the same end date for the scheme as most councils in England.
But bear in mind that some councils have earlier deadlines - for example, Hertfordshire households must apply by February 28.
According to Nottinghamshire County Council, 27,500 children in the county are eligible for Household Support Fund cash - if their parents or guardians apply in time.
Where can I apply for the money?
We've asked the council how local parents can apply for the money, and will let you know as soon as we hear.
Under the scheme, households in England must claim the cash directly from their local authority, although some councils will pay it automatically to eligible families.
In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, devolved administrations are tasked with handing out the allotted funding.
English councils have £421million in additional spending from the Department of Work and Pensions.
The Scottish Government has been given £41million, while the Welsh Government was handed £25million and the Northern Ireland Executive received £14million, in line with the Barnett formula.
What if I'm struggling but don't qualify for this scheme?
If there is no Household Support Fund help available to you in your area, there are other schemes that might be able to help.
Recipients of the welfare assistance scheme can claim up to £1,000 in free cash and vouchers toward their food, furniture and utility costs.
You might also be able to get your council tax bill slashed or even wiped if you're struggling to pay.
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And if you’re struggling to pay rent, you could apply for a discretionary housing payment.
If you want to focus on making sure your energy bills are as low as they can be this winter, read the top tips from this energy expert.