Parents are getting £75 per child in free cash and Asda vouchers this week – are you eligible?
The help comes as part of the Government's Household Support Fund, and aims to aid those who are most vulnerable.
The scheme has been extended a number of times, with the latest round of payments running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
Thousands of households in Walsall will soon be able to benefit from the scheme, after the local council was allocated a chunk of the fund.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the council stated: "This week (week commencing 15 July 2025) we will make a one-off direct payment of £75 per child to families in receipt of Council Tax Reduction.
"Families will not need to apply for these payments.
"This is to support families over the holiday period. There are a small number of customers without bank accounts who will receive Asda Vouchers over the coming weeks.
"Where we do not hold bank details, payments will be posted to Council Tax accounts where customers can then request a refund."
What if I don't live in Walsall?
The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England.
So, if you don't live in Walsall but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help.
Disability benefit explained - what you can claim
This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable.
What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers.
It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet.
However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels.
Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to their HSF as well.
You might be able to find it by typing in the name of your council then "Household Support Fund" into Google search.
You may have to apply for help through the HSF or you may be contacted directly by your council.
Some local authorities send letters to your home to let you know about next steps you need to take.
Other help if you're on a low income
It's worth checking if you're eligible for benefits if you haven't already - it could boost your bank balance by thousands of pounds a year.
If you're struggling with the cost of food, check where your nearest food bank is, to help you get cupboard staples for less.
The Trussell Trust has hundreds of food banks across the UK, and you can find your nearest one here - trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank.
Meanwhile, if you have fallen behind on your energy bills, you might be able to get a grant to wipe any debt.
British Gas and Octopus Energy, the UK's two biggest energy firms, both run schemes offering customers grants worth up to £2,000.
You might be able to apply for a free grant through a local charity as well.
Charity Turn2Us has a free-to-use grants search tool on its website which you can find here - grants-search.turn2us.org.uk.
How the Household Support Fund can help you
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 £742million 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.
The current round runs until the end of March 2026
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