The Household Support Fund has been extended for another year – this is how we apply for support

As we all struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, the Household Support Fund might be able to help us out.

It’s an extension of the fund, which was introduced back in autumn 2021.

The money is from the government but in England it’s being given to councils to hand out to those who need it.

And the other countries of the UK will get a share of the £842 million total. Then the devolved governments will decide how best to hand out their share.

But this fund is not like some other cost-of-living support that we get automatically. We have to apply for it ourselves (we can find out which is our council here).

Our council can use the cash to help us pay for groceries or to meet our energy bills. It’s up to each council how it spends its share of the money.

The cash will be available until the end of March 2024.

More help out there

The Household Support Fund isn’t the only cost-of-living help that’s available.

There are lots of schemes focused on different types of people who might be struggling. They’re all outlined on the government’s Help For Households website. 

This is where we can find the latest updates of the cost-of-living payments we’re entitled to if we’re disabled or on certain benefits.

And there’s also lots of info on other support that we may not be aware of. The support can help with things like disabilities, childcare, benefits and energy costs.

There are links at the bottom of the page to help that’s specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Also, there’s a section called Every Mind Matters, which has tips for helping us and our loved-ones care for our mental health.

We should also be sure we’re claiming all the benefits we’re entitled to. Around £15 billion goes unclaimed EVERY YEAR. Some of this cash could be ours – so we should use a benefits calculator to check.

Being on some benefits can also qualify us for other cost-of-living support.

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