Households can apply for £200 cost of living vouchers towards food and energy bills

HUNDREDS of struggling households are being offered vouchers to help them with the costs of food and fuel.

Sunderland City Council has said people on low incomes who are struggling with the cost of living will be given extra help through the Household Support Fund.

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The fund is worth £421 million in total and has been distributed by the government to local councils across the country.

It was set up in 2021 and has been extended by the government several times.

This round of funding was opened up in October and will last until April, meaning households will need to apply soon if they want the financial support.

Each council is handing out the money differently, so what you're able to access depends on where you live.

Some councils are sending direct cash transfers, while others are handing out shopping vouchers to those in need.

Sunderland City Council has said on its Facebook page this week that its support is "normally worth at least £200 towards food or fuel costs".

Most Household Support Fund cash will be provided automatically without households having to apply, the council's website says.

But those looking to apply will need to do so by the end of March.

Eligibility for the support varies across local authorities.

Sunderland City Council has said people can apply if they have a low to moderate household income and either no or limited savings.

Working age households who don't receive means-tested benefits or tax credits can apply if they meet this criteria:

• Have an annual gross income of less than £33,000 for a single person or £49,500 for a couple
• Have savings worth less than £750
• And are either an unpaid carer, classed as being in fuel poverty, receiving housing benefit or council tax support, or have significant debt

Pensioner households who don't receive means-tested benefits or tax credits can apply if they meet this criteria:

• Have an annual net income of less than £16,150 for a single person or £31,650 for a couple
• Have savings worth less than £1,500
• And are either an unpaid carer, classed as being in fuel poverty, or receiving housing benefit or council tax support

People on means-tested benefits or who receive tax credits can also apply if they:

• Have savings less than £750
• And are either classed as being in fuel poverty, receiving housing benefit or council tax support, or have significant debt

Households are usually classed as being made up of one or two adults and their children.

Any non-dependents living in the house would have to claim separately.

Full-time students are not normally eligible for the support, unless they are on means-tested benefits.

Those wanting to apply for the support can either phone the council's Home and Money team on 0191 520 5551 or go through the website here.

What if I don't live in Sunderland?

What you can get depends on where you live and what support is available.

Each local council receives a portion of the £421 million fund, which is then distributed to residents based on need.

Some areas might need proof of income or other documentation to process your application.

It's worth checking your council's specific eligibility criteria as this can vary depending on your location.

If you're not sure how to apply or if you're eligible, you could contact your local council's customer service team for guidance.

This is what some other councils are offering through the Household Support Fund...

St Helens Borough Council in Merseyside is offering support to low-income families for fuel, food and living expenses, including utility debts.

It can also help with the cost of purchasing furniture or white goods.

Direct payments of £200, or £300 for over-80s, will also be made to pensioners who are not eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment but receive housing benefit or a council tax reduction.

Milton Keynes City Council is handing out energy vouchers and says it will assess applicants on a "case by case" basis.

People who are just missing out on the winter fuel payment will receive help worth up to £300.

Coventry Council is also offering energy grants of up to £120 for single people or childless couples, and £160 for families.

Meanwhile Medway Council is also providing help.

It will give electronic energy cards to the value of £100 to those who are struggling and have less than £500 in their bank accounts.