Look out for free £200 supermarket vouchers

Hundreds of households are in for a pleasant surprise this week as letters landing on the doormat could be worth £200 each.

This helping hand comes from the £421m household support fund (HSF), designed to aid those facing rising living costs.

What’s the household support fund?

The HSF was set up to help people across England.

Local councils receive a portion of this fund and decide how to distribute it.

Most are opting for cash payments or vouchers.

What’s happening in Adur and Worthing?

In Adur and Worthing, Sussex, borough councils are sending out letters to 200 lucky households.

If you receive one, you’re eligible for £200 in supermarket vouchers.

This support is aimed at those who don’t qualify for pension credit and consequently missed out on the winter fuel payment.

Councillor Sharon Sluman, Adur's cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “There is a lot of support available for people struggling with the cost of living, but we know that there are many retired people who fall just shy of claiming pension credit and will miss out on winter fuel payments this year.

“The Proactive team will continue to contact anyone who may be eligible for the vouchers, as well as signpost people to other support available.”

Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing's cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, added: “The cost of living is still having an impact on people's day-to-day lives, with food and energy costs continuing to increase.

“These vouchers can be used in most major supermarkets and will help take some of the worry away by making sure the costs of everyday essentials are covered.”

Who can benefit?

If you live outside Adur and Worthing, don’t despair – you might still be eligible for help through the HSF.

To qualify, you generally need to:

• be over 16 years old
• live in social housing, privately owned or rented accommodation
• have an income under £16,000 per year

Remember, you don’t have to be claiming benefits to receive support, and it’s not a loan, so you won’t have to repay it.

How to apply

Want to see if you qualify for the HSF? Contact your local council – you can find their details online.

If they think you might be eligible, they might also reach out to you directly.

Need more help?

If the rising cost of living is weighing you down, we’re here to support you – get in touch to find out more.