The Household Support Fund was created to help vulnerable households pay for daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities. Originally providing £500 million, the government has now increased funding to £1.5 billion. They have also extended the deadline.
The scheme will now run until March 2023.
We strongly urge you to apply if you are struggling financially.
Who is eligible?
Applicants to the grant must be:
- Aged 16 or over
- A resident in their local council
- Experiencing financial hardship and struggling to afford essential items
How do I apply?
You will need to apply through your local council. They usually have a link on their website, or you can enquire over the phone.
Enter your postcode here to find out which council you are in:
How do I receive the money and what can I use it for?
Payments will mostly be distributed via bank transfers. If you do not have a bank account, your council will issue you vouchers. Cash payments will usually not be awarded.
You can put the money towards essentials such as:
- Food
- Utility bills
- Housing costs
- Sanitary products
- Clothing
- Essential transport-related costs such as repairing a car, buying a bicycle or paying for fuel
- Repairs to cooking and heating appliances
- Blankets
Further support
If you are struggling, there is help out there.
- Charis helps you discover which benefits you can access
- Turn2Us can help you find grants you are eligible for
- This post details where to find help with your energy bills
If you are having money troubles you might find it useful to seek free, independent debt advice from StepChange or Money Helper.
At Ophelos, we help people clear their debt on their own terms. You can choose to pay in full, pay later, or spread the cost over time. Explore options by visiting this page and entering your reference code found in any communication that we have sent you.