The supermarket vouchers come from the government-funded Household Support Fund scheme which gives local councils funding to provide assistance with the cost of living to people in the area
Struggling households could get up to £600 worth of supermarket vouchers at major chains including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s this Christmas.
The supermarket vouchers come from the government-funded Household Support Fund scheme. This scheme gives local councils funding to provide assistance with the cost of living to people in the area. Each council offers different support, which can range from cash payments to discounts on bills and energy vouchers.
A large number of councils are offering supermarket vouchers to struggling households meaning thousands could be eligible for the help. Some councils give the help automatically, while others you need to apply. Cambridgeshire County Council automatically gives households receiving free school meals supermarket vouchers worth £15 per child, per week.
Those struggling financially, without children in receipt of free school meal vouchers, can also apply for a £110 cost of living support payment which they can get as a supermarket voucher, energy voucher or as a cash payment through BACS or a paypoint cashout voucher.
Ealing Council in London offers £30 of supermarket vouchers during the Christmas break to families with children receiving free school meals. The council will also be giving care leavers supermarket vouchers worth £100.
Families living in Norfolk with children receiving free school meals are receiving a £15 monthly payment and an additional £30 in December. In Cheshire West and Chester families eligible for free school meals are receiving £20 a week for the two-week school break.
Households struggling in Richmond can apply for grants, which are paid as either a BACS payment or supermarket vouchers. The council pays out up to £300 to adult households, up to £500 for those with one child and up to £600 for those with two or more children.
In Bedfordshire, each child receiving free school meals will be entitled to a £35 supermarket voucher for the Christmas break. In Nottingham, households getting free school meals or claiming Pension Credit can get a £110 cash payment per household.
Again, you cannot apply for this scheme if you do not live in these areas. However, your local council will have its own Household Support Scheme you can access. You should keep an eye out for any updates on the schemes on your local authority’s website.
