Household support fund offers lifeline to struggling families

The household support fund (HSF) was created to help low-income families, pensioners and people facing financial hardship get by.

So what impact has it had since it was first introduced in October 2021?

Well, new research from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that it’s been overwhelmingly positive.

In fact, 98% of recipients say the HSF has had at least one positive benefit.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the figures…

Basic needs met

• 78% say the HSF has helped them pay for food and groceries.
• 58% say it’s kept their homes warm in cold weather.

Better mental health

• 38% report less stress and anxiety.
• 33% have fewer worries about heating their homes.
• 32% feel more confident managing their household finances.

Avoiding debt

• 61% have avoided borrowing money thanks to the HSF.

Who’s applying for the HSF?

The research also looked into who’s currently getting help from the HSF and found that:

• 79% were women.
• 53% were aged between 35 and 50.
• 69% had children or lived with someone with a disability or long-term health condition.
• 83% have found it hard to cope financially in the past year.

Figures showed that people’s financial situations and circumstances varied across the board.

For example:

• 34% said they’re currently in work
• 24% are unemployed
• 20% described themselves as disabled/long-term sick
• 58% are getting universal credit
• 33% are getting other state benefits
• 10% are claiming their state pension
• 47% have a total monthly income after tax of £1,080 or less

What type of support is available through the HSF?

The type of support offered by the HSF varies depending on who your local authority is and how they choose to spend their allocation.

Most councils offer one-off payments of £100 or the equivalent in vouchers, which can be used on:

• food
• energy bills
• water bills
• other essential living costs

Some are also offering financial advice, which many recipients say can have lasting benefits.

Who is eligible for the household support fund?

Each council decides who’s eligible and how the fund is spent, but in general, it helps:

• low-income families with children
• pensioners on low incomes
• people receiving disability benefits
• those experiencing financial hardship

You don’t need to be receiving benefits to be eligible. 

So if you’re claiming benefits and receive HSF, your benefits won’t be affected.

If you're not sure if you qualify for the HSF, then get in touch with your local council for more information.

You can find the contact details for your local authority at gov.uk. 

Is there a deadline for applying?

The application deadline is Monday 31 March 2025.

It hasn’t yet been confirmed if the HSF will be extended beyond this date.

Do you need money help?

If you’re struggling with the cost of living, another option could be to make sure you’re claiming all 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.