England
Household Support Fund (HSF)
Last verified: 3 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
A time-limited fund paid through English councils (with separate cost-of-living schemes in the other nations) to help with essentials such as food and energy. It is local crisis support, not a weekly national benefit.
How much you could get
Awards are set locally and may be vouchers rather than cash. There is no national weekly rate to quote.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
Each council decides who it targets while the fund is open — often people on means-tested benefits, families, or pensioners in hardship. You apply through the council or a named local partner, not through DWP.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You live in England.
Check if Household Support Fund may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
The fund can pause when a funding period ends. Living outside England means you should look at the equivalent devolved or local welfare scheme. It is not guaranteed even if you get Universal Credit.
Where you live
Household Support Fund applies in England.
Browse benefits in England, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- This is local crisis support, not a national weekly benefit. The Household Support Fund is allocated to councils in England (with devolved equivalents elsewhere). What you can get, and how you apply, is set locally. Official page
- Use your council’s current scheme page. GOV.UK explains the fund exists; the application sits with the council or a named local partner. Official page
- Have proof of identity, address and hardship. Schemes often help with food, energy or essentials. Awards can be vouchers rather than cash.
- It can close or change when the funding period ends. Do not rely on an old blog post. If the council page is down, contact them through the official website, not a paid intermediary.
Official sources
- Cost of living support — GOV.UK (primary source)
Related benefits
- Council Tax Reduction
- Discretionary Housing Payment
- Housing Benefit
- Rate Relief
- Support for Mortgage Interest
See all housing and bills benefits.
Source: Local authorities / Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.