Government re-opens household support fund

The government has re-opened the household support fund (HSF), extending the scheme for a fourth year. It will continue for at least another six months until 31 March 2025.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people to check if they are eligible for the financial support this winter.

What is the household support fund?

The HSF provides payments to people who are struggling to pay for essential expenses, such as food and utility bills. Those most severely affected by the cost-of-living crisis can apply for help from the fund through their local council.

Each council decides who’s eligible and how the fund is spent. Most councils decide to distribute it through cash payments or vouchers.

The government has allocated an additional £421m to the HSF in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive £79m. Since its launch in October 2021, the fund has provided up to £2.5bn in support, helping households with living essentials like food, energy and school uniforms.

HSF was due to end on 30 September, causing concern among councils and anti-poverty campaigners. But in early September, the government announced an extension to the scheme, much to the relief of campaigners.

Dan White, who co-leads the Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG), said this was a “modest but welcome decision by the government.”

“Ever since the previous chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the fund would end in September 2024, DPCG and like-minded organisations have been pushing hard for the HSF to continue, as the cost-of-living crisis deepens, and as other forms of state support are inadequate,” said White.

Despite welcoming the extension, the DPCG has criticised the government’s decision to withdraw the winter fuel payment for those who aren’t eligible for means-tested benefits. The group is urging the government to go further and develop longer term solutions to support people living in poverty and those with disabilities.

“The government needs to shape urgent action to support disabled people including pensioners, who will not be able to afford their energy bills,” White added.

Who can apply?

The HSF is intended for anyone who is vulnerable, in hardship or crisis and can’t afford to pay for essential items. You don’t need to be receiving benefits to be eligible. If you are claiming benefits and receive HSF, your benefits won’t be affected.

How to apply

The fund is open for applications now.

You can get in touch with your local council to apply for the funding. Details of local councils can be found on the government website.

Do you need money help?

If you’re struggling with the cost of living, we can check you’re claiming the support you’re entitled to. You can use our benefits calculator to check your benefits eligibility or get in touch to find out more.  

More details about welfare changes and spending will be announced by the chancellor in the government’s autumn statement on 31 October. We’ll keep you updated on all the biggest announcements.