On 1st April 2022, a grant known as the Household Support Fund was made available to provide support to vulnerable households in need of support to help with significantly rising living costs. The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It is not a means-tested fund but is targeted at individuals and families and those who are at higher risk of becoming ill or going without food.

The funding received from the grant must be spent before 30th September 2022 and cannot be held over for future use.

What can the Household Support Fund pay for?

• Energy and Water bills
• Food
• General Essentials - sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, purchase of equipment including ovens, fridges, freezers etc.
• Wider Essentials - including but not limited to, broadband, phone bills, clothing, and essential transport-related costs such as repairing a car, buying a bicycle, or paying for fuel.
• Housing costs - in exceptional cases where existing housing support schemes do not meet this exceptional need.

What can the Household Support Fund not pay for?

• Advice services, including debt advice
• Mortgage costs

How can I access the Household Support Fund?

If you are an unpaid carer and currently registered with us, we can make a referral for you to selected local organisations, please contact us for more information. Please note that carers cannot self-refer themselves to the selected local organisations, referrals can only be made through professional networks.

I would like some support