The Household Support Fund (HSF) provides emergency financial assistance to households struggling with energy bills, food costs, and essential living expenses. Administered by local councils in England, it is one of the most flexible sources of crisis support available — but it is often underused because many people do not know it exists. This guide explains how to access it.
For broader energy bill support, see Fuel Poverty Help UK.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021 to help households with the cost of living crisis. The government allocates the money to local authorities in England, who then design and run their own local schemes. This means:
- Every council has the fund, but the rules differ between councils
- Some councils have online application forms; others work through referrals
- The types of support (energy vouchers, food vouchers, cash, goods) vary locally
- The fund has been renewed for multiple periods since 2021 (check gov.uk for the latest allocation period)
Devolved equivalents:
- Wales: Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)
- Scotland: Scottish Welfare Fund (Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants)
- Northern Ireland: Emergency Assistance Payment
What can the fund pay for?
Local councils have flexibility in how they use the fund, but the government guidance specifies it should help with:
| Type of support | Examples |
|---|---|
| Energy | Prepayment meter top-up vouchers, help with fuel bills, oil for off-grid properties |
| Food | Supermarket gift cards, food bank referrals, meal delivery |
| Essential goods | White goods (washing machine, fridge, cooker), furniture |
| Water and sewerage charges | Water debt assistance |
| Other essentials | Clothing, bedding, school uniform, travel to work |
| Emergency costs | Moving costs, deposits, essential items following a fire or flood |
Some councils also offer:
- Cash payments direct to bank accounts
- Energy-efficient appliances (to reduce ongoing bills)
- Referrals to energy efficiency schemes (ECO4, GBIS)
Who gets priority?
While councils set their own criteria, the government guidance suggests prioritising:
- Households in the greatest need — particularly those not receiving other means-tested benefits but still struggling
- Families with children
- Older people (particularly those who lost the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024/25)
- Households with a disability
- Households facing a specific crisis or emergency
How to apply
There is no national application form. The process varies by council:
Step 1: Find your council’s scheme
Search: “[your council name] Household Support Fund 2026”
Or contact your local council and ask to speak to the Household Support Fund team. Many councils route applications through their housing, benefits, or social care teams.
Step 2: Check the referral routes
Some councils:
- Accept direct applications online or by phone
- Require referral from a professional (social worker, health visitor, school, GP, charity)
- Have partner organisations who administer the fund (local charities, housing associations)
If your council requires a referral, ask your GP, health visitor, school, or local food bank — these organisations often have referral access.
Step 3: Prepare your documentation
Most councils will ask for:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Evidence of financial situation (bank statement, benefit letters, recent bills)
- Description of your circumstances and what you need
Step 4: Apply quickly
The Household Support Fund has a limited allocation each period. Funds can run out before the end of the period in high-demand areas. Apply as early as possible each allocation period.
What if the fund has run out?
If your council’s Household Support Fund allocation is exhausted:
| Alternative | Contact |
|---|---|
| Energy supplier hardship fund | Call your supplier’s customer services team |
| Warm Home Discount (Broader Group) | Your energy supplier’s website |
| Local charities and food banks | Contact the Trussell Trust or local churches |
| Citizens Advice emergency grants | citizensadvice.org.uk |
| Turn2Us grant search | turn2us.org.uk |
The Trussell Trust food bank network and many independent food banks provide emergency food parcels; some also help with energy vouchers.
The Scottish Welfare Fund
In Scotland, equivalent support is provided through two schemes:
- Community Care Grant: Larger one-off grants to help people set up home or remain in the community; no repayment required
- Crisis Grant: Smaller emergency payments for immediate crises (e.g. loss of income, emergency expense); repayment not required
Apply through your local council in Scotland. You can apply up to three times per year for Crisis Grants.