Thousands of UK households struggling to afford winter fuel costs are being handed up to £200 worth of support.

The money comes from the government’s Household Support Fund which is distributed to local councils by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The funding pot totals £421 million and is used to help vulnerable people afford things like food, energy and water bills and essential items over the winter months.

Local councils are able to decide independently how the money they are awarded is distributed in their area, so households may have to meet different eligibility criteria depending on where you live in the UK.

North Tyneside council has been awarded a funding pot worth £1,609,998 from the DWP and will be awarding vouchers worth up to £200 to thousands of pensioners in the area.

The council said it will be giving vouchers to elderly, vulnerable residents who will be missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment from the government this year and are on a low-income.

Those on Council Tax Support, and/or Housing Benefit, who aren’t receiving Pension Credit, will be sent a PayPoint voucher. Those under the age of 80 will get a voucher for £150 while those aged 80 and over will get £200.

The voucher, which is limited to one per household, can be cashed up to three months from the date of issue and will be given to households from December through to the end of January.

Households will also be sent a letter accompanying the voucher to encourage pensioners to claim Pension Credit, a government benefit that is worth over £3,900 per year.

The council adds “If you are in crisis and have no food or utilities” contact its Welfare Team on (0191) 643 2777 and select option 2.

Elsewhere in the UK, households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for support of up to £300 per household in the form of vouchers to help afford gas, electricity and food, while Rotherham Council is offering people who need help with living costs payments of up to £250.

Leeds City Council is handing cost of living payments of up to £150 to low-income households and Shropshire Council is offering £300 to struggling families to help with living costs this winter.

If you are struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food and essential items you could be eligible for support from the Household Support scheme. You should check with your local council to see what support is available and if you might be eligible for help.