The UK's Household Support Fund (HSF) is providing assistance of up to £500 for the most vulnerable households. First introduced in October 2021, it has provided a source of financial help for thousands of households across the country. Worth £421 million, the fund, which has been extended five times, is divided between local councils in England.
Understanding the Household Support Fund Program
Support from the HSF provides financial assistance to the most financially deprived households in England. Benefits from the fund vary by region, which means the benefits you may receive depend on where you live.
Essentially, this scheme is aimed at people who have minimal savings, are considered vulnerable or are currently in receipt of benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
Each Council can decide whether to take part in this programme. However, the common criteria are as follows:
- Limited savings or income
- Vulnerable status
- Current receipt of benefits
Applying for the HSF is done through local councils, all of which follow their own procedures for applying. This process usually involves telephone contact or online application forms.
Herfordshire Council, for instance, offers up to £500 to eligible households depending on their circumstances and level of need. The council defines "most vulnerable households" as:
- Herefordshire residents over 16 years old
- Members of the armed forces with a strong connection to Herefordshire
- Legal residents in the UK, not under immigration control
- Households experiencing financial hardship and demonstrating need for emergency support with essential living costs not covered by other sources
Qualifying residents may apply by telephone on 01432 383838 or via an online application form on the Council's website.
Can You Get Help if You Are From Outside Herefordshire?
It is possible, although the help you can get depends on where you live. Each council distributes its share of the HSF differently. But, if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, or if you are considered vulnerable or on benefits, you are likely to be eligible for help.
Availability in other regions
Household Support Fund is offered all over England, but each council's benefits can vary. The Medway Council in Kent, south-east England, provides thousands of households with supermarket vouchers worth up to £225. Others might benefit from e-Energy Cards or e-Vouchers to cover £100 worth of water bills too.
According to the government's spring budget, the Household Support Fund is due to be extended until September. In fact, some councils have already started accepting applications for this extension.
You should note that eligibility requirements may vary from council to council, so it is essential to check with your local council. You can find your local council via the council finder tool on the gov.uk website.
Then, once you've found your council, there should be details about applying for funding on their website. In some cases, councils may contact eligible households, eliminating the need for an application process.