HELPING HAND
What is the Household Support Fund and how do I apply?
Can you get free cash to help with the cost of living?
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STRUGGLING households can access support to help with the cost of living via the Household Support Fund.
The money is distributed from a pot worth £421 million by the Department for Work and Pensions, which has been extended for the sixth time.
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The current round of funding is due to end on 30 September, but applications may still being accepted by some local authorities.
Each area will then open up the scheme again in October, with the new funding in place until April 2025.
In many areas applications can be made under both the current scheme and future rounds.
However, what you're able to access depends on whereabouts you live, and the money will either be given to you as a direct cash transfer, shopping vouchers or in another form.
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The amount varies and the local council will determine how the money is sent and the eligibility criteria.
The fund is typically distributed in relation to you financial situation and the benefits you are entitled to.
It's been set up to help families who are struggling with the cost of living.
But what is the Household Support Fund, and how do you apply for the help? Below we explain all you need to know.
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What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first set up in October 2021 and has now been extended six times.
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Councils in England are now able to benefit from the latest round of funding which amounts to £421million.
Nationwide councils have received a portion of the cash to distribute to households in need.
But there is a postcode lottery to determine who qualifies and each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria.
Yet if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, or are deemed to be vulnerable or on benefits, you will probably qualify for help.
The HSF's fifth round of funding will close on September 30, but the government has extended the scheme until April 2025 with the injection of a further £421million.
Applications may still be being accepted for the fifth round of funding, so it's still worth checking with your local authority.
Applications to access the next round of funding will open in October.
Councils will determine how the cash is distributed. For example, households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for a financial award of £300 per household, which was paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food.
The payment could be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Meanwhile, residents of Leeds could receive council tax support with those with dependent children able to claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool on its website.
The help you can get varies, depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.
You may be able to receive free cash or vouchers to cover the cost of heating your home, or the weekly food grocery shop.
If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.
Additionally, you do not need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.
How do you apply?
To get the help, you'll need to look it up with your council because local authorities are the ones responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your local council, use the
Once you've identified your local council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding online.
Every council has a separate application process, meaning specific details regarding how to apply depend on whereabouts you live.
The eligibility requirements to access the fund might vary in addition so it's best to check with your local council for further details.
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Some councils won't need you to apply for help and will get in touch instead if you qualify.
If you can't find any information on your council's website, it' s a good idea to call them and ask for further information.
Where is the HSF available?
Plymouth - up to £740
Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers.
Blackpool - up to £300
Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs.
Middlesbrough - up to £70
People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child.
Leicestershire - up to £300
Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.
Leeds - up to £100
Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash.
Bracknell Forest - up to £315
Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits.
Cambridgeshire County - up to £220
Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers.
Falkirk - up to £470
The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200.
Stockport - up to £315
Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers.
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