Household support fund extension: are you eligible?

Jeremy Hunt announced a six month extension to the Household Support Fund (HSF) in the spring budget. It was due to end this month, but with the extension, those currently getting HSF will keep getting it at its current levels.

 If you haven’t already applied for HSF but are facing hardship, you may be eligible to get HSF for the next six months.

 What is the household support fund?

The HSF was set up in 2021 to help people across the UK cope with the rising cost of living. Money is distributed to local councils who then decide how best to help people locally.

You don’t need to pay it back.

Whether you can get support depends on where you live, how your council has chosen to spend the money, and your personal circumstances.

Most councils are distributing their share as cash payments or vouchers towards bills.  

Am I eligible for HSF?

It’s worth noting that the HSF was set up to help those is desperate need, especially those who aren’t eligible for other government help, such as previous cost-of-living payments and energy support.

But each council has its own specific criteria. Generally, you must be over the age of 16 and living in privately owned, privately rented or social housing and on an income of less than £16,000 per year. The fund does not provide help to people in residential care.

You also don’t need to be claiming benefits to get HSF but if you are, your benefits won’t be affected.

If you have savings or other sources of money to fall back on, it’s unlikely you’ll qualify for HSF.

How do I apply?

Get in touch with your local council to apply. You can find details of your local council on the government website. Once you’ve found those details, there should be information on how to apply on their website. But if there isn’t any information, you should ring them up to ask if you’re eligible and how to apply.

If you’re struggling financially because of the cost of living crisis, we can check you’re claiming all the support you’re entitled to. Use our benefits calculator or get in touch to find out more. We’re always happy to help.