More than 100 struggling households have been offered supermarket vouchers to help cover essential costs.
Adur and Worthing councils identified 131 households in Adur and Worthing as eligible for the support, targeting those on low incomes or affected by the two-child benefit cap.
Each household was offered a £100 supermarket voucher, which could be used to buy groceries or household items.
The funding was provided through the government’s Household Support Fund and distributed by the councils using a data-driven approach to reach those most in need.
Councillor Sharon Sluman, Adur’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: "We know that cost of living pressures means more of our residents are struggling with household bills and costs. This targeted, proactive approach means we are able to offer support much earlier to help stop issues spiralling."
Households were identified using data analysis technology developed by Policy In Practice, a social policy software and analytics company.
The technology gives the councils a clearer view of low-income households by combining information from multiple systems into a single dashboard.
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This has enabled the councils' proactive team to deliver timely and targeted support.
Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: "Our Proactive team is in regular contact with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, taking time to offer personalised support that makes a real difference to people’s everyday lives."
The scheme is one of several recent initiatives by the councils to support residents amid rising living costs.
In spring last year, more than 600 households claiming housing benefit or council tax support and living in properties with low energy efficiency ratings were offered the opportunity to apply for a £150 cash grant.
The councils have also previously provided supermarket vouchers to residents just outside the eligibility criteria for pension credit.
In addition to financial support, the proactive team has used the Household Support Fund to help residents with housing deposits, rent in advance, white goods and furniture.
Other assistance includes reduced water bills through Southern Water, free swimming lessons from South Downs Leisure and financial support and digital wellbeing checks from Lancing-based organisation TellJO.
