Households across the UK could receive financial assistance, essential appliances, and utility bill support worth up to £300 as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF).
This government-backed initiative, managed by local councils, aims to help low-income families cope with rising living costs.
Some councils are even stepping in to replace lost winter fuel payments for pensioners who were ruled ineligible due to policy changes. Others are offering supermarket vouchers, energy bill support, and even appliances like air fryers and microwaves to help households save money.
The fund, originally introduced by the Conservative government in 2021, has been extended five times, most recently by Labour in August 2024. Councils have been given a share of the £421 million funding pot to distribute in ways that best support local communities.
Here’s everything you need to know about how different councils are using their allocations and how you can apply.
Available Support
Each council decides how to allocate its share of the Household Support Fund, meaning the type of assistance varies by location. Here are some common types of support:
| Support Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash payments | Up to £300 in direct financial aid for eligible residents. |
| Supermarket vouchers | Used for food and essentials, often provided during school holidays. |
| Energy bill assistance | Payments to help with rising heating and electricity costs. |
| Essential appliances | Air fryers, microwaves, slow cookers, and kettles to reduce energy use. |
| White goods | Fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines for low-income households. |
| Housing cost assistance | Limited support for rent or council tax payments (excludes mortgage help). |
| Emergency food parcels | Food banks and surplus food distribution for those in crisis. |
| Winter fuel payment replacement | Some councils are offering financial support for pensioners who lost their winter fuel allowance. |
Most councils require households to apply for support rather than awarding it automatically.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility criteria differ by location, but councils generally prioritize:
- Low-income households
- Residents receiving benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, etc.)
- Families with children on free school meals
- Pensioners struggling with energy bills
- Households in financial crisis or facing unexpected expenses
Household Support Fund
- Support available:
- Food vouchers, gas and electricity meter top-ups.
- Help with white goods and furniture.
- £175 winter fuel support for pensioners who no longer qualify.
- How to apply: Visit the Tower Hamlets Council website.
Lambeth
- Support includes:
- Cash payments for low-income households.
- Free school meal vouchers during holidays.
- Funding for food banks and emergency support schemes.
- How to apply: Visit the Lambeth Council website.
Enfield
- Assistance includes:
- Food bank referrals.
- Utility bill top-ups.
- Essential appliances (fridges, cookers, washing machines).
- Cash grants of up to £250 for emergencies.
- How to apply: Visit the Enfield Council website.
Croydon
- Support covers:
- Energy and water bill assistance.
- Food vouchers.
- Essential household appliances.
- How to apply: Visit the Croydon Council website.
Kingston
- Help available:
- Vouchers for food, utilities, and essential costs.
- How to apply: Visit the Kingston Council website.
Rest of England
- Who qualifies? Homeowners, private renters, and housing association tenants with biomass heating earning under £31,000.
- Support available:
- £147 energy payment for eligible households.
- How to apply: Visit the Solihull Council and Act on Energy website.
North Lincolnshire
- Support includes:
- Free air fryers for over 6,000 pensioners to reduce energy bills.
- 1,300 slow cookers and 400 energy-saving kettles distributed.
- £200 winter fuel payments for low-income pensioners.
- How to apply: Visit the North Lincolnshire Council website.
Newcastle
- Support covers:
- Free school meal vouchers.
- Hardship payments (applications pending).
- Pensioner support for those who lost winter fuel payments.
- How to apply: Visit the Newcastle Council website.
Worcestershire
- Assistance includes:
- Energy and water bill support.
- Boiler repairs and replacements.
- Food assistance and emergency essentials.
- How to apply: Visit the Worcestershire Council website.
Surrey
- Support covers:
- Free school meal vouchers.
- Food bank and crisis fund support.
- £750,000 fund for additional resident aid.
- How to apply: Visit the Surrey Council website.
Hertfordshire
- Support includes:
- Supermarket vouchers for families during holidays.
- Help with food and energy costs.
- Additional pensioner assistance.
- How to apply: Visit the Hertfordshire Council website.
Staffordshire
- Available help:
- £300 utility bill support.
- Supermarket vouchers for low-income families.
- Emergency cash payments.
- How to apply: Visit the Staffordshire Council website.
Coventry
- Support includes:
- £120 – £160 utility grants (can apply up to three times).
- Food parcels (three per household).
- Help with essential household items and clothing.
- How to apply: Visit the Coventry Council website.
York
- Support covers:
- £115 cash payments for council tax support recipients.
- Discretionary payments for struggling households.
- How to apply: Visit the York Council website.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Household Support Fund?
Low-income households, pensioners, and families receiving benefits.
How much financial help can I get?
Support varies but can be up to £300 in cash payments, energy grants, or vouchers.
What kind of assistance is available?
Help includes food vouchers, energy bill support, and essential appliances.
Do I need to apply for the support?
Yes, most councils require applications rather than awarding funds automatically.
Where can I find out what’s available in my area?
Check your local council’s website or use the End Furniture Poverty assistance finder tool.
