STRUGGLING families can soon apply for shopping vouchers worth up to £300 to spend in supermarkets such as Aldi, Asda and Tesco.
The help comes via the government’s Household Support Fund.
The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of £742million, which they can dole out to families and individuals in need.
Surrey residents will soon be able to apply for supermarket vouchers worth up to £300.
To qualify for the support you must be over 18 and living in Surrey.
You must also have household savings of £2,000 and have an annual household income under £27,007.50 before taxes and deductions.
If you apply, you may be asked to provide evidence to support this, such as your most recent bank or building society statements.
How much you get depends on factors such as who you live with.
Families with children will get a £300 voucher and a single person household will get £200.
These vouchers can be cashed in participating supermarkets, but it is important to note they can only be used on groceries and toiletries.
That means you cannot spend the voucher on items such as lottery tickets, tobacco or petrol.
You can check out the full list of participating supermarkets below:
- Aldi
- Asda
- Farmfoods
- Iceland/The Food Warehouse
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
- Waitrose
If you wish to apply you can visit, www.surreycc.gov.uk.
But it is important to note that applications for this round will open on November 3.
The support will be available up until March 2026, so if you miss the next round there is a chance you can apply again.
What if I don’t live in Surrey?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between 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 Doncaster can apply for support worth £300.
While, families in Nottingham can apply for £98 energy vouchers and £75 supermarket vouchers.
Meanwhile, pensioners in Islington could get a £200 cash boost to help cover energy costs this winter.
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.
