The chèque alimentaire (food cheque) is the latest in a series of measures designed to help households deal with inflation, from caps on energy prices to €100 grants and fuel rebates.

Despite its name, the chèque alimentaire is actually a cash payment made directly into the bank account, rather than a voucher or food stamps.

Government spokesman Olivia Grégoire announced on Wednesday that the payment will be for €100, plus €50 for every child in qualifying households.

Payments will be made in September to all households who are in receipt of either the RSA top-up benefit, the AAH disabled adults’ allowance, the Aspa pensioners’ allowance or the APL housing benefit.

The government last year provided a chèque energie, which was another €100 payment to low income households designed to help them dealing with rising energy prices. 

Prices for electricity and household gas have also been capped until the end of the year, while motorists benefit from an 18c per litre fuel rebate when they fill up.

The latest measure will be put in place by Decree, the government has indicated.

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