Countless economically disadvantaged households receiving Universal Credit and seven additional benefits may qualify for a £50 cash voucher.

Middlesborough families in need could get assistance from the Household Support Fund (HSF).

People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher today.

To be eligible you need to be claiming at least one of these benefits:

• Council Tax Reduction
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Tax Credit
• Universal Credit

Those living alone will get up to £37.50 with couples receiving £50.

The scheme will run until September 20 and will continue to provide money in phases for those who need it most.

The HSF was set up to help residents across the country with energy bills, food, and essential costs like Council Tax.

Locals in the area who don't receive benefits can also now apply for the cash voucher.

Households claiming benefits and looking after children can apply in early July and should expect to receive an automatic payment.

Whereas, pensioner households will get their HSF cash in August and should apply in late June.

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times, to September 2024.

The latest round of funding is worth £421million to councils in England.

Who qualifies and the level of support given is a postcode lottery, as each local authority can set its own criteria for distributing the funds.

However, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, are classed as vulnerable or are on benefits, you will likely qualify for help.

What support is available?

The support provided varies from council to council, so it's worth checking the schemes your local council has in place to make sure you receive all the assistance available.

For example, in Hertfordshire funds have also been made available to support households on low incomes facing immediate financial crisis, provide help with energy costs and support food banks.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.

You don't need to worry about additional support impacting existing benefits, as these will be unaffected by payments from the HSF.

And, you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.

How do you apply?

To get the help, you'll need to check with your council - as local authorities are in charge of distributing the funding.