Households in North Yorkshire struggling amid the cost of living crisis will be able to claim supermarket vouchers to help pay for food and other essentials over the winter months.
The fourth phase of the Household Support Fund is being rolled out to just under 22,500 people across the county who are eligible.
It will provide a one-off payment in supermarket e-vouchers.
People who will receive the Household Support Fund payments are:
- Residents who received housing benefit on, or between 26 January and 25 February, but did not qualify for the cost of living payment made in April and May 2023 for people on low income benefits or tax credits. They will receive a single e-voucher for £450
- Residents who were getting the maximum discount to pay their council tax bill through the means-tested Council Tax Reduction Scheme, as of 14 August. They will receive a single e-voucher for £110.
Tens of thousands of households in North Yorkshire have already benefited from the first three rounds of the fund, which has provided vouchers to those most in need as well as access to other support.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, said: “Families are continuing to face immense financial challenges in North Yorkshire, like all parts of the country, with soaring energy and food bills, but I believe by working in partnership with the Government, we can provide the support that is required.
“The Household Support Fund has been a lifeline for many people in North Yorkshire who are struggling financially as inflation continues to present challenges. I am pleased that the Government has provided additional funding. As before, we will continue to prioritise supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Eligible households will receive a letter from North Yorkshire Council this month (September) containing an individual code. This code allows them to download a supermarket e-voucher quickly and easily through the online portal, with the option of a printed version.
The process has been designed to be user-friendly and the vast majority of people redeem their vouchers without any assistance, but residents who need support can get help over the phone or on email from the council’s customer service centre team.
Cllr Chance added: “I would also urge anyone who is eligible and gets a letter to make sure they do redeem their voucher by Tuesday, October 24. Nobody will know when you use your voucher in the supermarket that you’ve had a Household Support Fund payment, it will look like any other voucher.
“There is no need to apply for your e-voucher or phone the council. If you are eligible, we will write to you with instructions on how to redeem it.
“We are also asking people to be vigilant of fraudsters claiming to be representing the council and looking to take advantage of the challenging circumstances people are facing, so please be aware we will not ask for your bank account details.”
More information can be found here.