Households are being urged to check if they're eligible for up to £290 worth of new help. The mixture of cash payments and supermarket vouchers is being issued as part of the latest round of the scheme.

The Household Support Fund is a pot of cash that is awarded to local councils by the central Government. It is down to each council to decide what support it offers - but normally they provide one-off payments, vouchers and help with bills.

Cambridgeshire County Council is awarding £180 worth of supermarket vouchers over the upcoming half terms and summer holiday to families in Cambridgeshire that are normally in receipt of free school meals. Some vouchers have already been given out over Easter.

Another payment of £110 is also being awarded to some Cambridgeshire households that have £16,000 or less in money, savings, and investments, and earn below the following thresholds:

• Single adult: £24,876 (no children) £30,465 (one child) £37,377 (two children) £48,735 (three or more children)
• Couple/Joint application: £34,494 (no children) £36,123 (one child) £42,418 (two children) £54,572 (three or more children)

You may be offered a PayPoint voucher to redeem, a supermarket voucher, an energy voucher, or a direct bank transfer. You can apply through the website.

If you're not a resident of Cambridgeshire, it is worth contacting your local council to find out what help is available. For example, City of York Council is crediting £150 to your council tax account, as a direct discount off your bill. It is also providing a direct bank transfer worth £100.

There is also a discretionary scheme, for people who are not identified by the council as receiving a council tax discount. For this, you would need to apply to the council and show that you're in need of financial assistance to help with the rising living costs.

Wakefield Council has decided to offer supermarket vouchers worth up to £195 to households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. If you live in a household with someone of pension age, but you won't receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, then you will get £195 worth of vouchers.

These will be split into two instalments, starting with a £70 voucher in June, then a £125 voucher in November. If you're in a pensioner household and you will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you will get £140 of vouchers. You will get £70 in June, then £70 again in November.

If you're a family who is claiming Council Tax Support, you should have received a £40 voucher earlier this month. The council will then pay a £50 voucher in July, and another £50 in December.

All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will get a £70 voucher in July, then another £70 in December.

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