What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Government to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need.
This fund can be used to help households towards the cost of:
- Food
- energy / water needs
- essentials linked to energy and water
- wider essentials, where appropriate
This funding covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 and local authorities have discretion on exactly how this funding is used within the scope of the guidance set by the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you are not a Warwickshire resident, contact your local council for details of their scheme.
Household Support Fund in Warwickshire
If you need help with food, gas, electric or household goods, you can apply for Local Welfare Support. The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme will distribute this funding to families and individuals most in need through both proactive targeted support and by application.
You do not need to receive benefits to apply for this help.
We will check your identity, that you live in Warwickshire and what your income and expenses are.
Children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
Households with children eligible for benefits related free school meals will receive cost of living support to help with food and utility bills. This will continue to be distributed automatically, with one payment in May and another in August 2024.
You do not need to apply; vouchers will automatically be sent to you.
Help for people who have reached State Pension Age or in receipt of a disability benefit
Residents who have reach state pension age or in receipt of a disability benefit can apply for financial support. Please call the Local Welfare Scheme to make an application.
Help for people who are working age
If you are working age and struggling financially, we are providing additional help.
If you need help with fuel or food now, you can apply for Local Welfare support.
Applying
To be eligible:
- You must live in Warwickshire
- You will be over the age of 16 and living independently of parents or carers
- You are struggling to pay for essentials because you don’t have enough money to pay for them
- You can provide the required proof of your identity, residency and household financial information, you will need to provide supporting evidence in the form of a Council Tax bill, utility bill or a bank statement dated within the last month.
To apply for support, call the Local Welfare Scheme on 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.30pm on Friday.