Household Support Fund extended: councils accept summer applications
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The government extended the Household Support Fund through 2026/27. Each council runs its own scheme for food, energy and essential costs — check your local authority website.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
The Household Support Fund was extended for 2026/27, giving English councils discretionary money to help residents with food, energy, water bills and essential household items. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate separate hardship schemes.
There is no single national application form. Each council sets eligibility, payment methods and application windows. Some offer supermarket vouchers; others pay energy credits or cash grants through a local welfare assistance scheme.
You usually need to demonstrate financial hardship — for example, receiving Universal Credit or having no savings — but criteria vary. Apply through your council's website or call the local welfare team.
The fund is not a substitute for benefits you are entitled to. Check Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction and supplier hardship schemes first. The Money Guide cost-of-living help guide lists the main routes.