Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government-funded scheme designed to help households facing financial hardship with essential living costs.
Funding is provided to local councils, which distribute support to eligible residents in their area. The type of help available can vary depending on where you live and your personal circumstances.
If you're struggling with rising household costs, the Household Support Fund may be able to provide temporary financial assistance.
What Is the Household Support Fund?
Support may be available for:
- Food and groceries
- Energy and water bills
- Essential household items
- Clothing
- Housing-related costs
- Other urgent living expenses
Who Can Apply?
- Low-income households
- People receiving benefits
- Working households experiencing hardship
- Pensioners
- Families with children
- People affected by rising living costs
- People facing an unexpected financial crisis
You do not always need to be receiving benefits to qualify.
What Help Can Be Provided?
The type of support available depends on your local council's scheme.
Examples may include:
- Food Support
- Supermarket vouchers
- Food bank referrals
- Emergency food support
- Energy Support
- Energy bill vouchers
- Fuel support payments
- Help with topping up prepayment meters
- Household Essentials
- Essential furniture
- White goods such as fridges or cookers
- Bedding and household items
- Crisis Support
- Emergency payments
- Support following an unexpected event or crisis
- Assistance with essential living costs
How Much Support Can I Receive?
There is no standard amount.
The level of support will depend on:
- Your circumstances
- Your household income
- The financial hardship you are experiencing
- The funding available in your local area
Some support is provided as a one-off payment, while other schemes may offer help over a longer period.
How Do I Apply?
Applications are usually made through your local council.
You may need to provide information about:
- Your household income
- Benefits you receive
- Household expenses
- Savings and investments
- The financial difficulties you are experiencing
Some councils work with local organisations and support agencies to distribute funding on their behalf.
Do I Need To Be Receiving Benefits?
No.
Many councils will consider applications from households experiencing hardship, regardless of whether they are currently receiving benefits.
Each council sets its own criteria, so eligibility can differ from one area to another.
Can Working Households Apply?
Being employed does not automatically prevent you from receiving support.
Is The Support Repayable?
No.
Household Support Fund awards are generally grants, meaning they do not usually need to be repaid.
However, any conditions attached to the award will be explained by your local council.
What If My Application Is Unsuccessful?
If your application is refused, you may still be able to access other forms of support, including:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Discretionary Housing Payments
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Energy supplier support schemes
- Charitable grants
Food banks and community support services
An advisor can help identify alternative support that may be available.
Other Support You May Be Entitled To
If you are experiencing financial hardship, it is also worth checking whether you may qualify for:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Carer's Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Housing support
- Council Tax Reduction
- Energy support schemes
A full benefits check can help ensure you're receiving all the support you're entitled to.
Need Help?
Our advisors can help you:
- Check whether Household Support Fund support is available in your area.
- Understand your local council's eligibility criteria.
- Complete applications for financial support.
- Explore other available grants and schemes.
- Maximise your household income.
Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.