Hardship Funds
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and struggling to pay for essential living costs, a hardship fund may be able to help.
Hardship funds provide financial assistance to individuals and households facing unexpected financial challenges or ongoing financial hardship. They can help with a range of essential expenses, including energy bills, food costs, household essentials and other urgent needs.
If you're finding it difficult to manage, it's important to seek support as early as possible.
What Is A Hardship Fund?
A hardship fund is a source of financial support designed to help people who are struggling to meet essential living costs.
Hardship funds are often provided by:
- Energy suppliers.
- Local councils.
- Charities.
- Housing associations.
- Government-funded support schemes.
- Benevolent funds and charitable trusts.
Support may be provided as a grant, voucher, direct payment or other form of assistance.
Who Can Apply For A Hardship Fund?
Eligibility varies depending on the scheme, but support may be available if you are:
Each hardship fund will have its own eligibility requirements.
What Can Hardship Funds Help With?
Hardship funds may provide support for:
- Energy bills.
- Food and groceries.
- Essential household items.
- Water charges.
- Emergency travel costs.
- Rent-related expenses.
- Essential appliances.
- Other urgent household needs.
The support available will depend on the fund and your individual circumstances.
Energy Supplier Hardship Funds
Many energy suppliers operate hardship funds for customers experiencing financial difficulties.
These funds may provide:
- Help clearing energy debt.
- Contributions towards outstanding balances.
- Emergency support during a financial crisis.
- Assistance with energy costs.
You do not always need to be currently receiving benefits to apply.
Contact your supplier to find out what support may be available.
Local Council Support
Some local authorities provide financial hardship assistance through schemes such as:
- Household Support Fund.
- Local Welfare Support Schemes.
- Emergency assistance programmes.
Support may be available for households struggling with the cost of essential living expenses.
Availability and eligibility can vary depending on your local area.
Charitable Grants And Trusts
Many charities offer financial support for people facing hardship.
Funding may be available for:
- Household essentials.
- Disability-related costs.
- Families in financial crisis.
- Older people.
- People with specific occupations or backgrounds.
An advisor may be able to help identify suitable grant schemes.
What Information Will I Need To Apply?
Applications often require information about:
- Your income.
- Household circumstances.
- Benefits received.
- Regular household expenses.
- The financial difficulties you are facing.
- Any debts or arrears.
Providing accurate information can help ensure your application is assessed correctly.
Is Hardship Fund Support Repayable?
In many cases, hardship fund payments are grants and do not need to be repaid.
However, some assistance schemes may operate differently.
Always check:
- The conditions of the award.
- Whether the support is a grant or loan.
- Any ongoing requirements attached to the funding.
What If My Application Is Unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful:
- Ask whether there is an appeal or review process.
- Explore alternative hardship funds.
- Check whether you qualify for benefits or grants.
- Seek money and debt advice.
There may be other sources of support available.
Other Support That May Be Available
If you're struggling financially, you may also be entitled to:
- Household Support Fund assistance.
- Emergency Fuel Vouchers.
- Council Tax Reduction.
- Food bank referrals.
- Community food support.
- Warm Home Discount.
- Benefits you may not currently be claiming.
A benefits check can often identify additional income that may improve your situation.
Tips For Applying To Hardship Funds
✅ Apply as soon as possible if you're struggling financially
✅ Gather supporting documents before applying
✅ Be honest about your circumstances
✅ Check multiple sources of support
✅ Keep copies of applications and correspondence
✅ Seek advice if you're unsure what schemes are available
✅ Gather supporting documents before applying
✅ Be honest about your circumstances
✅ Check multiple sources of support
✅ Keep copies of applications and correspondence
✅ Seek advice if you're unsure what schemes are available
Common Myths About Hardship Funds
"I'm Working, So I Won't Qualify"
Some hardship funds are available to working households experiencing financial difficulties.
"The Support Is A Loan"
Many hardship funds provide grants that do not need to be repaid.
"There Is Only One Hardship Fund"
Various organisations operate different hardship schemes and support programmes.
"It's Not Worth Applying"
Even small grants can help reduce financial pressure and improve your situation.
Need Help?
Our advisors can help you:
- Identify available hardship funds.
- Apply for grants and financial assistance.
- Check your entitlement to benefits.
- Create a realistic household budget.
- Explore options for managing debt and household bills.
Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.