Money Wellness
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category iconcost of living
calendar icon29 Aug 2024

Household support fund to continue

The household support fund (HSF) has been a welcome relief for many during the cost-of-living crisis.

Millions have turned to the fund to help with the costs of food, fuel and energy over the last three years.

It’s currently due to end on 30 September but the Financial Times says it’ll be extended past this.

They say chancellor Rachel Reeves is “likely” to agree, partly to soften the blow of pensioners losing the winter fuel payment.

What is the household support fund?

The HSF was set up in October 2021 to help those struggling the most with rising living costs. It was supposed to last six months but has been extended four times.

Councils are given a share of £500m to help residents in their area however best they see fit.

Most of them have chosen to distribute their share as cash payments or vouchers towards bills – 44% of the last HSF budget provided holiday food vouchers for families who usually get free school meals.

Applying for the household support fund

Because we don’t know when the HSF will be extended (or when it’ll next run until), we’d suggest applying sooner rather than later if you need help.

To apply, contact your local council. You’ll need to prove you need help, but you don’t have to be claiming benefits. If you do get benefits, they won’t be affected if you’re awarded money from the HSF. You can find your local council on the government website.

Extra support

If you’re struggling with everyday living costs, we can help.

We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to as well as help you create a budget or advise on possible debt solutions. Some are free, others have a fee.

Our advice is completely free, so get in touch to see what we can do for you.

Avatar of Michelle Kight

Michelle Kight

Michelle is a qualified journalist who spent over seven years writing for her local online newspaper. Having grown up in some of the North West’s most deprived areas, she has a first-hand and empathetic understanding of what it means to face serious money worries. With a strong interest in mental health issues, she is a keen advocate of boosting the accessibility of financial wellness services.

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