Thousands of households could get free £36 supermarket vouchers to help with food bills

HARD-UP households can grab free cash towards essential living costs, including a £36 voucher for food items.

The extra support comes as part of the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) initiative.

The HSF was first rolled out by the in October last year with a £500million pot to help vulnerable families get through the tough winter period.

The scheme was originally intended to run for six months, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a six month extension to the deadline in his Spring Statement.

The current batch of funding will be available until September 30 - but households are being urged to apply for help as soon as possible, as local councils may have to stop dishing out help sooner if they use up their pot of cash.

The fund is designed to support households most in need, particularly those including children and pensioners who may be struggling with energy bills, food and water bills.

Money is dished out to local councils, which will decide what sort of help to offer in their area and who is eligible.

It can come in the form of free cash grants, school meals vouchers, or money for essentials such as sanitary products or household items including fridges, freezers and ovens.

It comes as inflation spiked to 9% in April in a bitter blow to families facing the cost-of-living crisis, and the energy regulator has warned that bills will reach £2,800 by October.

How can I claim the free cash?

Each council determines how to use its budget to help local residents, with many previously dishing out supermarket and fuel vouchers or one-off payments.

Not all residents can receive the support due to eligibility requirements, so it's best to check your local council's website.

Some councils are giving out help automatically, while in other areas you'll need to apply.

Coventry City Council said households in the area can apply for help, but it will also accept applications from third parties such as social workers, relatives, friends and more, if you know someone who needs some help.

Households in the area can claim a one-off supermarket voucher for £36, which they can put towards their food costs and so have more money left to pay for their energy bills.