What is the Household Support Fund?
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In short: Government funding paid to local councils to help residents in financial hardship with essentials such as food, energy bills, and other household costs. How much you get and how to apply depend on your council.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is central government money distributed to councils in England to support vulnerable households. It is discretionary — each council decides eligibility, payment amounts, and whether help is cash, vouchers, or direct payments to suppliers.
Typical uses include supermarket vouchers, help with gas and electricity, and support with wider essentials. Councils often prioritise pensioners without Pension Credit, families on low incomes, and people who do not qualify for other benefits but are in crisis.
You usually apply through your local council's website or a partner charity the council names. Evidence of hardship — such as a recent bank statement or benefit letter — may be required. Funds are limited each funding round, so schemes can close when the allocation runs out.
The HSF sits alongside other cost-of-living support such as the Warm Home Discount and benefit entitlements. Check gov.uk's cost-of-living page and use a benefits calculator first; many people who apply for the HSF also qualify for ongoing help they are not claiming.
Primary source: gov.uk/cost-of-living/household-support-fund
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