5<\/p>\n Households would be able to get support as part of the governments Household Support FundCredit: Getty 5<\/p>\n Those facing immediate financial hardship can apply for cost of living cash worth \u00a3175Credit: Getty<\/p>\n The scheme has been drawn up to help with the rising cost of living crisis and support those in the UK that are most in need. <\/p>\n Although the government states that the money given is not charity, those who apply do not need to pay anything back.<\/p>\n It’s a central pot of\u00a0money<\/a>\u00a0worth \u00a3742million that is shared between local authorities, who then decide who to offer the help to.<\/p>\n Every council has been given a different amount of money to share between their residents in need.<\/p>\n READ MORE ON COST OF LIVING<\/p>\n Which means that the amount you can get and how the money will be distributed will vary depending on where you live.<\/p>\n For Cambridge County council, the support aims to help those going through immediate financial hardship. <\/p>\n According to the website<\/a>, it will come in the form of financial vouchers or cash payments. <\/p>\n These aim to assist those that specifically need help covering the cost of food and household energy bills.<\/p>\n As part of this, the Holiday Voucher Scheme offers households supermarket vouchers to those that receive Free School Meals.<\/p>\n During the school holidays, every week vouchers worth \u00a315 will be issued for each child who is eligible.<\/p>\n Support Fund Boost: Up to \u00a3500 Grants for Struggling Households<\/p>\n Between now and March 31 2026, there are generally eleven weeks of school holidays.<\/p>\n This means that if you are eligible, at \u00a315 a week you would be able to claim a total of \u00a3165.<\/p>\n Alongside the financial award of \u00a3110 per household, the total payment households will receive will come to \u00a3275.<\/p>\n These will come in the form of either a PayPoint cashout voucher, a supermarket voucher, a PayPoint energy voucher or a BACS transfer.<\/p>\n Household Support Fund explained<\/p>\n Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements<\/a> explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. <\/strong><\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. <\/p>\n Every council in England has been given a share of \u00a3421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. <\/p>\n Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. <\/p>\n In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. <\/p>\n Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. <\/p>\n Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.<\/p>\n The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible. <\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Those on free school meals in Cambridge are able to get a payment of \u00a315 per week as part of the Holiday Voucher SchemeCredit: PA 5<\/p>\n In between April and May there is generally eleven weeks of holidaysCredit: Alamy 5<\/p>\n Meaning the total payment could amount to \u00a3275Credit: Getty<\/p>\n Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing\u00a0money-sm@news.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/amazed-happy-teen-girl-holding-942042054.jpg\")
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