If you’re struggling to pay for essentials such as food and utility bills, then it might be worth seeing if you qualify for help from the Household Support Fund. We reveal what you need to know.
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Household Support Fund: get help for essentials
Inflation is finally on the way down, but many families are still struggling to pay for everyday essentials due to previous price hikes.
UK food and non-alcoholic drink prices were 2.9% higher in April 2024 than they were a year before, according to the CPI measure of inflation.
This continued the welcome decline from the peak of 19.1% in March 2023, which had been the highest rate of increase in food prices since 1977, according to a House of Commons analysis.
“Over the two years from April 2022 to April 2024 food prices rose by 22.5%,” it stated. “It previously took nearly 12 years, from June 2010 to April 2022, for average food prices to rise by the same amount.”
If you’re struggling to pay for essentials, the Household Support Fund might be worth considering.
We’ll run through what the Household Support Fund is, how it works and how to apply.
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What is it?
The Household Support Fund was originally launched in October 2021 to help the most vulnerable residents with their essential expenses.
The scheme has been particularly useful for those struggling to afford energy and water bills, food and home essentials, and even school uniforms.
Although it was due to end earlier this year, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in the March Spring Budget that it was being extended for six months and funded with an extra £500 million.
It’s worth stressing that you don’t necessarily have to be receiving any benefits to get help from your local council and if you are, they won’t be affected by any payments from this scheme.
Some councils may give money to local charities or food banks or limit applications to once a year.
How does it work?
The fund allows local authorities across England to make discretionary payments to the people most in need of help with the rising cost of food, energy and water bills.
However, as every council decides how to distribute their funds, you’ll need to apply to your local council if you require such support.
As an added complication, the eligibility criteria, application process and final decision concerning who receives support will vary between authorities.
In this guide, we’ll run through how local councils can offer help via the Household Support Fund, so you’ll have a broad idea of what to expect – although eligibility and support can vary.
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What help can you get?
You will need to contact your local authority to see if they are distributing payments – and to establish the eligibility criteria.
However, Nottingham City Council has just announced that up to £3.55 million will be distributed in the city during the spring and summer.
“The money will be used to support struggling pensioners, families and the city’s most vulnerable households with the increased costs of living,” it stated.
The council said previous rounds of funding had been used on e-vouchers for energy bills and supermarkets, including throughout the school holidays for pupils.
It also pointed out that the latest cash injection takes the amount distributed to vulnerable people to more than £17 million since October 2021.
The council is making £1 million of digital supermarket vouchers available for vulnerable households. It will release 4,000 vouchers each month from May to September.
Those on low income can apply online for a £50 supermarket voucher.
The council is also making £500,000 of energy support vouchers available to vulnerable households. Those on low income can apply online for two £49 vouchers.
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Elsewhere, Kent County Council will be providing £100 support for energy and/or food costs to eligible households from the second week of June 2024.
“The scheme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis,” it stated. “Applications will close in September 2024 or once the funds have been allocated.”
Meanwhile, Coventry City Council is putting aside a set amount of funds each month – and when that figure is reached, online applications will be closed until the following month.
The priority will be helping with energy and food bills. However, it may also offer support with buying essential household items, such as freezers and ovens, as well as toiletries.
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Who is eligible & how to apply
The eligibility criteria for support will vary between authorities so you’ll need to ask for details from your local council.
However, let’s use Coventry City Council as an example. Firstly, proof of financial hardship will be required to support applications, which have to be made online.
You will need your National Insurance number – or ARC number if you’re an asylum seeker – to hand during the process.
In addition, you’ll need to upload bank/building society statements and evidence of benefits being received, as well as other forms of income.
A member of the council’s community support team may be in contact to discuss your request.
If your application is accepted you may receive support to cover two months in a single payment for fuel/energy/water support. This means you can apply up to a maximum of three times over the lifetime of the scheme.
Single people or childless couples can receive one reward of £120, whereas families can receive £140.
The council is also continuing to provide three emergency food parcels per household to help with any immediate need.
However, if your application is rejected, you can request a review of the decision within one calendar month.