What is the Household Support Fund, who is eligible and how to apply

Rishi Sunak has laid out his latest plans to help struggling families as he unveiled his Spring Statement, amid spiralling inflation and a cost of living crisis in the UK.

The Chancellor announced in the Commons he is doubling the Household Support Fund to £1billion, with local authorities best placed to help those in need in their areas.

The Household Support Fund was originally announced late last year, as a way of helping those families in need get through the winter months.

But what exactly is it, who is eligible – and how can you apply?

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund was unveiled at the end of September 2021, giving £500m to help vulnerable families across the UK access essentials over the winter.

It originally covered the period from October 6 2021 until March 31 2022, and is distributed by councils in England to those households who need it most.

The fund has taken the form of small payments to allow daily needs such as food, utilities and clothing to be covered.

Although the main focus has been on councils in England receiving funding, it has been divided up to allow up to £79 million worth of the money to be divided among the devolved nations.

Mr Sunak announced in his Spring statement that the scheme had been extended.

‘I want to do more to help our most vulnerable households with rising costs,’ he said, confirming the news in the Commons.

‘They need targeted support. So I am also doubling the Household Support Fund to £1billion.’

Who is eligible for the Household Support Fund?

The criteria vary from one council to another, and the application process may also vary.

However, many councils have stated that eligibility will depend on your ability to meet either your own needs or those of dependents.

In some cases half of the available funding will go to families with children, while the remainder may go to households without children, including people living alone.

The eligible age also varies – in some cases you can be 16 or over to apply, elsewhere it’s limited to those over the age of 18.

You should check the website of your local council in order to see what the eligibility requirements are in your area.

How to apply for the Household Support Fund

You’ll need to contact your local council directly for details of how to apply.

You can find out which yours is by entering your postcode at the Government’s website.

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