Post A Job

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is money from the UK government that local councils use to help people who are struggling with the cost of living. If you are finding it hard to pay for food, gas, electricity, water or other essentials, this guide explains what the fund is, who can get it and how to apply.

This guide is written in plain English so it is easy to read and use. It mainly covers England, but there is also a section with links to help in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Table of contents

1. What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of money given by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to local councils in England. Councils then use this money to help residents who are struggling to pay for essential living costs.

The fund is there for people who:

  • Cannot afford basic household costs, like food or energy bills
  • Are facing a short-term financial crisis
  • Are vulnerable because of low income, disability, illness, caring responsibilities or other reasons

The support is usually a grant, not a loan. You normally do not have to pay it back. But every council sets its own rules, so the details can be different depending on where you live.

You normally apply through your local council, not through your jobcentre, benefit office or energy supplier.

2. Who runs it and how long does it last?

The national government in Westminster funds the scheme. The Department for Work and Pensions gives money to county councils and unitary authorities in England. These councils then decide:

  • Who they will prioritise for help
  • How people should apply
  • How the support is paid (cash, vouchers, or goods)

For the current round, the Household Support Fund is running in England from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Many councils may close applications earlier if their share of the money runs out.

The fund has been extended several times since it first started in 2021. However, future extensions are a political decision. You should always check your council’s website for the most up-to-date information.

What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The Household Support Fund itself is for England, but the UK government gives money to the devolved governments, who may run their own schemes.

If you live outside England, use those links or your local council’s website to see what is available in your area.

3. What kind of help can I get?

The Household Support Fund is designed to cover essential costs. Councils have some freedom, but common types of support include:

Food and essentials

  • Supermarket vouchers for food and basic toiletries
  • Food parcels through local partners such as charities or food banks
  • Help with baby items like nappies, powdered milk and wipes

Energy and water

  • Vouchers or payments towards gas and electricity bills
  • Support if you use prepayment meters (top-up vouchers or codes)
  • Help with heating oil, LPG or solid fuel in off-grid homes
  • Help with water bills or arrears

Housing and household costs

  • Help with rent shortfalls in emergencies (on top of housing benefit or Universal Credit housing costs)
  • Emergency support if you are at risk of losing your home
  • Basic furniture or appliances, such as a bed, fridge, cooker or washing machine
  • Replacement of broken essential appliances (not upgrades to better models)

Support for children and families

  • Food vouchers during school holidays for children who usually get free school meals
  • Help with school-related costs, such as uniforms or shoes (in some areas)
  • Targeted help for care leavers or families known to children’s services

Not every council offers all of these. The exact help you can get will depend on where you live and how your council has chosen to run the scheme.

4. Who can get the fund?

Each council sets its own eligibility rules, but the fund is generally for people who:

  • Live in the council area
  • Are struggling to afford essentials like food, energy or other necessary bills
  • Have a low income or are in financial hardship

Councils often prioritise:

  • Households with children, especially lone parents
  • Pensioners on low incomes
  • Disabled people or households including disabled children or adults
  • Carers
  • People facing sudden changes in circumstances, such as job loss, illness or relationship breakdown
  • People with no or very low savings

You do not always have to be on benefits to get help. Some councils allow applications from people who are working but still cannot cope with rising costs.

Some councils also support people who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF) in very limited circumstances, for example where there are children or serious welfare concerns. This depends on the council’s own policy and legal duties.

5. Do I qualify? Quick self-check

You might be able to get help from the Household Support Fund if:

  • You live in England and are a resident in the council area you apply to
  • You are struggling to pay for food, gas, electricity, water, rent, or essential household items
  • You have little or no money left after paying essential bills
  • You have low or no savings (many councils set a savings limit, for example £1,000 or £2,000)
  • You are experiencing a crisis, such as:
    • Unexpected high bills
    • A big drop in income
    • Leaving care, hospital or prison
    • Fleeing domestic abuse

If most of this sounds like your situation, it is usually worth applying or speaking to your council for advice.

6. How to apply step by step

Step 1: Find your local council

You can find your local council by entering your postcode on the GOV.UK website:

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

You must apply to the council where you live, not where you work or where your family lives.

Step 2: Look for the Household Support Fund or cost of living page

On your council’s website, search for terms like:

  • “Household Support Fund”
  • “Cost of living support”
  • “Welfare assistance”
  • “Emergency support”

Some councils use different names, but the page will usually explain:

  • Who can get help
  • What type of help they offer
  • How to apply
  • Any income or savings limits

Step 3: Read the eligibility rules carefully

Check the details on your council’s website, such as:

  • Minimum or maximum income levels
  • Savings limits
  • Which groups are prioritised (e.g. families with children, pensioners, disabled people)
  • Whether you must already be getting certain benefits
  • How often you can apply (some councils limit it to once per year or once per funding round)

Step 4: Gather your evidence

Before you start the application, collect information and documents (see the full list in the next section). Having everything ready will make it easier to complete the form and reduce delays.

Step 5: Complete the application

Most councils allow you to apply:

  • Online via a web form
  • By phone, if you cannot use the internet
  • Through a partner organisation, such as Citizens Advice, a local charity or a support worker

Take your time to explain your situation clearly and honestly. If English is not your first language or you have trouble using the internet, you can:

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you
  • Contact Citizens Advice for support
  • Ask the council if they can provide help over the phone or in person

Step 6: After you apply

What happens next will vary by council, but usually:

  • You receive a confirmation email or reference number
  • The council checks your details and may contact you for more information
  • You get a decision by email, letter, text or phone

If your application is successful, you might receive:

  • Cash into your bank account
  • Vouchers (for supermarkets, fuel or energy top-ups)
  • Prepaid cards
  • Direct help, such as an organisation ordering a fridge or cooker for you

Decisions can be quick in emergencies, but in busy times it may take longer. If you have heard nothing after the timescale given on the council website, contact them to ask for an update.

7. What evidence will I need?

Every council is different, but commonly they will ask for:

Your identity

  • Photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or biometric residence permit
  • Or another form of ID if you do not have photo ID (for example, a birth certificate)

Proof of address

  • Recent utility bill
  • Council tax bill
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Bank statement showing your address

Income and benefits

  • Recent payslips or a letter from your employer
  • Universal Credit statement or other benefit letters
  • Pension statements
  • Self-employed accounts or tax return

Banks and savings

  • Recent bank statements for all accounts you hold
  • Details of any savings or investments

Bills and arrears

  • Recent gas, electricity and water bills
  • Letters showing arrears or disconnection threats
  • Rent statement, if you are behind with rent

If you cannot provide a particular document, explain why and ask the council what else they might accept.

8. Common questions and answers

Is the Household Support Fund the same as cost of living payments?

No. Cost of living payments are national payments made directly by the government to some people on certain benefits. The Household Support Fund is separate and is run by local councils. You might be able to get both, depending on your circumstances.

Do I have to be on benefits to get help?

Not always. Many councils focus on people on means-tested benefits, but some will also consider low-income working households who are not claiming benefits. Always check your council’s criteria – if you are struggling, it is usually worth applying.

Will the fund affect my benefits?

In most cases, support from the Household Support Fund is treated as local welfare or emergency support. It is usually not counted as income for means-tested benefits, but rules can be complex. If you are worried, you can:

  • Ask your council or
  • Get advice from Citizens Advice or another advice charity

How much money can I get?

There is no single national amount. Councils decide what to offer. Some examples from different areas include:

  • One-off grants of £100–£425 towards energy or food costs
  • Higher amounts for families with children or for pensioners
  • Grants for specific items such as a cooker or fridge

The amount you get will depend on your needs, your household size, and how much money your council has left in its fund.

Can I apply more than once?

Some councils limit support to once per funding round, once per year, or once per household. Others may allow more than one award in exceptional cases. Check the rules on your council’s website or ask them directly.

Do I have to pay it back?

No, the Household Support Fund is normally a grant, not a loan. You do not usually have to repay it. If a council offers help that must be repaid (which is rare under HSF), this should be made clear to you before you accept it.

Can students apply?

It depends on your council. Many students are excluded from some benefits, but councils can still decide to help if they believe you are in hardship, especially if you have children or other vulnerabilities. Check your council’s eligibility rules.

Can people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) apply?

Some councils can help people with NRPF in limited situations, such as where there are children or serious risks to health or safety. This area is complex and may involve immigration rules, so it is a good idea to seek advice from a specialist charity or immigration adviser.

I rent, have a mortgage, or live with family – does that matter?

Your housing situation does not automatically exclude you. Whether you rent, own your home or live with friends or family, the key question is whether you are struggling to pay for essentials. However, the way the council assesses your income and costs may differ depending on your living arrangements.

9. If your application is refused or the fund is closed

1. Ask the council for an explanation

If your application is turned down, you can usually ask:

  • Why you were refused
  • Which part of the eligibility rules you did not meet

Some councils have a formal review or appeal process. If you think the decision is wrong, ask for details on how to challenge it.

2. Get independent advice

If you are unhappy with the decision, it can help to speak to an adviser who understands the rules. You can contact:

  • Citizens Advice
  • Shelter England if you are worried about rent or losing your home
  • Other local advice centres, law centres, or money advice charities

3. Ask about other help from the council

Even if the Household Support Fund is closed or you do not qualify, your council may have other schemes such as:

  • Local welfare assistance schemes
  • Discretionary housing payments (for people on Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit)
  • Council tax support or discounts

The GOV.UK page “Get help with the cost of living from your local council” is a good starting point:

https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council

4. Support from charities and community groups

If the council cannot help, there may still be other options, such as:

  • Food banks and social supermarkets
  • Energy hardship funds and fuel vouchers
  • Grants from charities for people in particular jobs, religions, or situations
  • Local community groups offering warm spaces, meals or emergency help

Websites like Turn2Us have grant search tools that can help you find extra support.

10. Other support you may be able to get

The Household Support Fund is just one type of help. If you are struggling, you should check for other support as well.

Benefits and top-ups

  • Use a benefits checker to see if you are missing out on money you are entitled to:
  • Check if you can get:
    • Universal Credit or Pension Credit
    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
    • Carer’s Allowance
    • Child Benefit and other family support

Help with housing costs

  • Discretionary Housing Payments (if Housing Benefit or UC housing costs do not cover your rent)
  • Council housing or housing association transfer options
  • Mortgage support schemes in some cases
  • Housing advice from Shelter England

Help with energy bills

  • Energy company hardship funds and grants (check your supplier’s website)
  • Warm Home Discount (if you qualify)
  • Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments if you are eligible for them
  • Advice on saving energy from organisations like Energy Saving Trust or government-backed services

Council tax reductions

  • Council tax reduction schemes for low-income households
  • Single person discounts if you live alone
  • Additional reductions for some disabled people and carers

You can find more information about help with the cost of living on:

11. Quick checklist and key tips

Before you apply

  • ✔ Check that you live in England
  • ✔ Find your local council at www.gov.uk/find-local-council
  • ✔ Read the Household Support Fund or cost-of-living page on your council’s website
  • ✔ Make a note of who they prioritise and any income or savings limits
  • ✔ Gather your ID, proof of address, income details, bank statements and recent bills

When you apply

  • ✔ Explain clearly why you are struggling – for example:
    • “I cannot afford my gas and electricity and have received a disconnection warning.”
    • “I have lost my job and have no money left for food.”
    • “My rent has gone up and I am behind with essential bills.”
  • ✔ Mention any children, disabilities, health problems or caring responsibilities
  • ✔ Tell them about any urgent risks (for example, eviction, no heating, no food)
  • ✔ Ask for help to complete the form if you have difficulties with English or using the internet

After you apply

  • ✔ Keep any emails, texts and letters from the council
  • ✔ Make a note of dates, names and reference numbers
  • ✔ If you do not hear back within the stated time, contact the council for an update
  • ✔ If you are refused, ask for the reasons and whether you can ask for a review
  • ✔ Check other support such as benefits, council tax reduction and energy grants

Final thoughts

The Household Support Fund is there to help when you cannot afford the basics. If you are skipping meals, sitting in a cold home, or worried about losing your home because of bills, you are exactly the kind of person this fund is aimed at.

Do not feel ashamed to ask for help. The rising cost of living is affecting millions of people. Your local council, advice services and community groups are there to support you. Even if you are not sure you qualify, it is usually worth checking and applying.

Start today by finding your council, reading their rules and sending in an application if you think you might be eligible. A small grant could make a big difference to you and your household.

Find your local council's Housesold Support Scheme

Find your local council Household Support Scheme below. Please note that it may be called something different. The Household Support Scheme is already closed in some council areas.

Cart

Your cart is currently empty.