FAMILIES in need of support can apply for supermarket vouchers when a scheme reopens for applications next week.

At 10am on Wednesday, January 3, the fourth round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will accept applications from low-income households in the Dorset Council area.

The scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides support in the form of supermarket vouchers which are allocated by Citizens Advice on behalf of the council.

Vouchers will be issued to residents who meet the eligibility criteria within six to eight weeks.

Dorset Council households will be able to apply if they have:
an annual household net income of less than £30,000 and
savings of less than £16,000 and
not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last six months

Calculations for the annual net income should not include Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit. Applications are limited to one per household.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time for all of us and it’s important to try and start the new year off well.

“If you are currently struggling with the cost of living challenge, this initiative may help you as it offers supermarket vouchers to help with essentials.

“If you are applying in this window, please make sure you have not applied for a previous HSF payment since July 2023 as further vouchers cannot be issued and there are a very limited number of applications available for this window.

“If you do miss out on this window, another will open on Tuesday, February 6, at 10am.”

Residents should apply online, at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/household-support-fund. If you need help completing the form, contact Customer Services on 01305 221000 or visit a customer access point.

For further information on all the support available, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help.