Families on benefits can apply now to get up to £120 in free cost of living cash – are you eligible?
Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
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The scheme has been extended several times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Every council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can give it to residents in need.
Exactly how the money will be paid depends on your council but it could come in the form of free cash, vouchers or white goods.
Eligibility criteria also varies depending on where you live but the help is usually available to those on benefits or a low income.
Households in Middlesbrough can now apply for the support, which is worth up to £120.
The money is available to help residents with energy bills, food and essential costs, such as council tax.
To qualify for the support you must live at a property in Middlesbrough and be responsible for paying the council tax, rent or a mortgage.
The support is being rolled out in stages to different types of residents in need.
Households who get benefits and have children can now apply.
Families with children who receive free school meals were automatically sent a voucher before July 9.
But the cash is also available to families with a child who receives income-related free school meals and:
Is aged under five, if another child in the household is eligible for free school meals.
Goes to a school outside of Middlesbrough but lives in Middlesbrough.
You can also apply if your child is not eligible for income-related free school meals but your household gets one of the following benefits:
Council Tax Reduction
Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
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 £421million 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.
And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
Eligible households will receive a voucher for £60 per child.
This means that if you have two children you could be given £120.
To apply visit .
It can take up to 21 working days for the council to process applications, so apply now to avoid the payment being delayed.
Which other councils are also offering support?
Other councils have also announced the details of their schemes.
Among them is Sutton, which is offering residents support worth up to £150.
To qualify for the cash you must live in the borough of Sutton and have less than £3,000 in your bank account.
Meanwhile, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers of up to £100 to those in need.
Plus, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500.
At the same time, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200.
Keep an eye on your local council's website or social media channels to avoid missing out.
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