THOUSANDS of struggling families will start getting £120 worth of free cash within days.
The vouchers are being handed out by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as part of the Household Support Fund scheme.
The Government has provided £742million to councils across England under the scheme.
Each council can choose how it spends the money but the aim is to help households struggling with the cost of living.
Some local authorities provide cash cheques, while others hand out vouchers or pump money into support schemes.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has said it will be handing out vouchers to help out with the cost of everyday essentials like food and energy bills.
TAP THIS
Klarna reveals HUGE change for 12million UK customers and you can earn free cash
HOLI FAIL
Millions of holidaymakers missing out on free cash after returning home
They will be given automatically to all households that receive council tax reduction.
Council tax reductions are usually available to households with low incomes who also have little in savings.
Sometimes being in receipt of certain benefits can make you eligible for council tax reduction.
Eligible residents in Stockton-on-Tees will get two £60 vouchers delivered to their homes in the last two weeks of November.
The vouchers will be exchangeable for cash at any PayPoint outlet and must be exchanged by the end of February.
Roughly 10,000 working-age households will get the vouchers this month.
Pensioners who receive council tax reduction will get their vouchers later, in the first two weeks of January.
Again they will receive two £60 vouchers that can be exchanged for cash.
Who is eligible?
You’re automatically eligible if you receive council tax reduction, whether you are working age or a pensioner.
However you may also be able to apply for the support even if you don’t receive discounted council tax.
The council says some discretionary payments of £120 will also be available for residents who are on a low income and pay energy bills.
You can check if you’re eligible for the support and apply online through the Household Support Fund webpage.
Councillor Paul Rowling, deputy leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “The Household Support Fund has been vital for families around our borough for a number of years now, so we’re delighted to again offer vouchers for thousands of eligible households this winter.
“Don’t forget if you receive Council Tax Reduction then there’s nothing you need to do, with vouchers sent automatically.
“And of course, if you do not receive Council Tax Reduction then you may still be eligible for support by applying for a discretionary payment.”
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
What if I don’t live in Stockton-on-Tees?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared among all councils in England.
So, if you don’t live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits, you will likely be eligible for help.
The amount you receive depends on where you live.
For example, households in Surrey can apply for shopping vouchers worth up to £300 to spend in supermarkets such as Aldi, Asda and Tesco – with applications opening on December 2.
And Islington pensioners could also be eligible for a £200 cash boost to help cover costs this winter.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
WINTER FLURRY
Scots city hit by freak SNOW storm as expert predicts ‘cracking day’ of sun
CRAZED EX
Slain hood tried to rip out ex’s Turkey teeth out weeks before he was gunned down
Meanwhile Doncaster is giving out payments worth up to £400 to help with food and energy costs.
You can find your local council by visiting the government website and entering your postcode.