Nearly £60m still available from the Household Support Fund – find out how to claim

Over £57 million in funding from the Household Support Fund remains unclaimed with only weeks left for applications before the current phase of the scheme closes, according to research conducted by responsible lender Creditspring.

The Household Support Fund was launched on 6 October 2021 and has since been extended several times. The fund was set up to help struggling low-income households by providing grants for essentials such as energy and water bills, food, and other daily necessities.

The current phase is worth £421 million but is set to close for new applications on 30th September. But within the last week the government announced further support will be available through the fund until April 2025.

Creditspring's research indicates that since 1 April 2024, more than 660,000 people have sought financial support from the Household Support Fund.

The report also highlights the financial difficulties faced by millions of households in the UK, including:

• 19% believe they will increasingly depend on state benefits to survive.
• This figure rises to over 26% among those aged 18-34.
• 28% of individuals feel they are in the most financially precarious situation they’ve ever encountered.
• 21% of people have no savings and turn to credit for support.
• 13% admit they rely on credit to pay their bills, increasing to 20% for the 18-34 age group.
• 12% of UK adults have sought help from a debt advice charity.

Neil Kadagathur, CEO and Co-Founder of Creditspring, commented, “The Household Support Fund offers a vital lifeline for many families in the UK. However, with such significant amounts left unclaimed, it’s evident that the scheme isn't reaching its full potential, leaving vulnerable individuals without essential support.

“While the extension of the scheme will benefit many households, it’s crucial for councils to rethink how they communicate the available support. This can increase awareness and simplify the application process, ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit. We want to prevent vulnerable individuals from turning to high-cost loans or predatory lenders to make ends meet.”

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund is a scheme set up by the previous Conservative government to support low-income families, pensioners, and those facing financial hardship. The fund provides targeted support to help with essential costs such as:

• Food
• Energy bills
• Water bills
• Other essential living costs

Local authorities are responsible for distributing the Household Support Fund. This means what support you get and how much will depend on how your council has chosen to spend its allocation. Most councils though offer one-off payments of £100 or the equivalent in vouchers.

Who is eligible for the Household Support Fund?

Eligibility for the Household Support Fund varies depending on your local authority. In general:

• Low-income families with children
• Pensioners on low incomes
• People receiving disability benefits
• Those experiencing financial hardship

If you're unsure whether you qualify for the Household Support Fund, it's best to contact your local council for more information.

How to apply for the Household Support Fund

To apply for the Household Support Fund, you'll need to get in touch with your local authority. You can find the contact details for your local authority at gov.uk. Each council has its own application process, which may include:

• Filling out an online form
• Calling a dedicated helpline
• Visiting your local council office

Be prepared to provide evidence of your financial situation, such as bank statements or benefit award letters, to support your application.

What happens after applying?

Once you've submitted your application, your local authority will assess your eligibility for the Household Support Fund. If successful, you'll receive the funds directly from your council, usually within a few weeks.

The money can be used to cover essential living costs, helping to ease the financial burden during challenging times.