All the help you can get in August worth up to £2,200 and you DON’T have to be on benefits

But even if you’re not eligible for government support, there are plenty of other organisations such as energy and water companies that have cheaper tariffs for low-income families.

Here's all the help that’s available in August and how much you could save.

Household support fund

You might be able to get help with essential costs from your local council through a programme called the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The funding is designed to help people who are vulnerable or can’t afford to pay for necessities like energy bills, water bills, and food.

Some councils offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays, as well through the scheme.

Eligibility criteria varies by council, so you need to check your local authority's website to see what’s available and how to apply.

For instance, Richmond Council says that it offers grants of up to £600 for families with two or more children, whereas Haringey Council says it typically pays vouchers worth £100 per household.

Local welfare assistance schemes

Most councils also have local welfare assistance schemes designed to help families in severe financial hardship.

Again, the eligibility criteria varies by council, and how much you can get will depend on your specific circumstances.

Most councils say they will prioritise families who need urgent access to food.

The support you get could be money, vouchers, or referrals to other organisations such as food banks.

Energy grants from suppliers 

Most major energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

Eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £1,500.

If your energy company doesn’t have a scheme available, you could consider switching to one that does.

Fuel vouchers

If you're having difficulty paying your energy bills and use a prepayment meter, or if you use alternative heating sources such as oil, LPG, coal, or wood, you may be eligible for a fuel voucher from your local council.

A fuel voucher gives you credit for your gas and electricity supply without having to pay in advance.

You'll receive a code in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add the credit.

You can use a fuel voucher at a Post Office, a shop signed up to Payzone or a shop signed up to PayPoint. You'll need to take the code and a form of ID.