A government fund is available that could offer hundreds of pounds in help – and the deadline is soon.
The Household Support Fund – administered by the DWP – was extended by the Government until March 31, 2025 in a bid to offer a lifeline for eligible Brits struggling financially – but time is running out.
Last October, £421million was allocated to county councils and unitary authorities in England to bolster the fund for an additional six months.
Local authorities have been given the autonomy to establish eligibility criteria and distribute the funds to safeguard the most vulnerable households in their communities.
It’s advisable to check with your local authority regarding their eligibility requirements and how they plan to distribute the household support fund, which can be done using the Gov.uk’s council checker.
There are certain rules and criteria set by the government that all local authorities must adhere to, however, including typically being limited to one payment every 12 months.
The Government also provided seven practical suggestions on how councils can utilise the funds to aid their vulnerable residents.
With energy bills soaring during the winter months, the government has suggested a focus on such costs, stating: “This may include support with energy bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking, or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It can also be used to support water bills including for drinking, washing, cooking, as well as for sanitary purposes and sewerage.”
Recommendations also cover providing food vouchers or cash to handle food expenses and essentials related to energy, water, and food; this could mean aiding with initial costs for insulation, energy-saving products, and their maintenance or replacement. Moreover, the assistance could take the form of advisory services for managing debts, employment issues, or benefit claims where necessary.
The government has highlighted that this particular form of support should be part of a wider strategy though: “We would expect to see a connection between the funding provided for advice services and the practical support provided under the fund.”
It also notes that while councils can use the fund for preventative support and crisis support activities, it is not anticipated that “a large portion” of the fund will be allocated in this manner. The fund’s scope extends to housing costs assistance, but local authorities are encouraged to explore other avenues such as Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payments or a Homelessness Prevention Grant before utilising the fund.
The guidance cautions against using the fund “on an ongoing basis or to support unsustainable tenancies”. Beyond immediate needs, the fund may also cover “wider essential needs” including broadband, clothing, hygiene products, and transport, with the possibility of a one-off payment to avert a crisis.
Authorities have the discretion to focus Household Support Fund payments on specific categories or a combination of them.
