What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is money provided to local councils in England by the government to help people who are struggling with the cost of food, energy and other essentials. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have equivalent schemes.
Each council decides how to distribute the money — through vouchers, direct payments, food parcels, white goods funding or other forms of support. This means what is available varies significantly by area.
Who can get help?
Eligibility varies by council. Generally, the fund is aimed at households on low incomes, those in financial hardship, people with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
You do not necessarily need to be receiving benefits to access HSF support, though receiving benefits often helps with eligibility. Contact your local council directly to find out the current criteria.
How to apply
Check your local council website for the Household Support Fund. Some councils have an online application. Others require a referral from a school, food bank, social worker or Citizens Advice.
If you cannot find the scheme on your council's website, call the council directly and ask about the Household Support Fund or local welfare assistance scheme.
What can the fund pay for?
Depending on your council, the fund might cover: supermarket vouchers, energy top-ups, white goods such as cookers and fridges, school uniform grants, emergency cash for food or utilities, and more.
Some councils also work with local food banks and charities to distribute support more quickly than a formal application process would allow.