Among the announcements made by Jeremy Hunt in Wednesday’s budget was the confirmation of an extension to a cost of living payment.
With families across the UK still struggling with bills and high food and energy prices, the chancellor had been under pressure to continue the Household Support Fund (HSF) beyond the end of March. On Wednesday he said that he has accepted that “now is not the time to stop the targeted help it offers”.
The decision came following pressure from anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Trussell Trust, which runs a network of food banks, as well as MPs. The six-month extension will cost the government an extra £500 million.
Announcing the package, Hunt said that the payment “was set up on a temporary basis and due to conclude at the end of this month”. He added: “I have decided that with the battle against inflation still not over, now is not the time to stop the targeted help it offers. We will therefore continue it at current levels for another six months.”
Read more: Martin Lewis calls out ‘wins and fiction’ in Jeremy Hunt’s budget (Yahoo News)
What is the Household Support Fund?
The HSF was started in 2021 and is intended to help low-income households – such as pensioners, unpaid carers, families, care leavers and disabled people. Those who face financial hardships can use the fund to help with essential household costs.
So far, the HSF has provided £2.5 billion of welfare support via local authorities to help residents in their area. The fund helps with things like food, water and energy bills.
Anyone struggling can access the support via their county council or an organisation that the council works with. This varies area by area.
The money is provided to the council by the government. Crucially, anyone who receives funding does not have to pay the money back.
Read more: Household Support Fund kept me afloat, says former nurse (PA Media)
How to apply
You need to apply for the HSF directly from your local county council. Links to online application forms are on council websites.
Anyone can apply but applicants must provide evidence of eligibility as part of the application process. This can be three months of bank statements showing your (and your partner’s, if applicable) income – or payslips that show your collective income. Councils will accept screenshots or photos as long as they are able to be read easily.
You do not have to be in receipt of benefits to be eligible and your benefits won’t be affected by any payment from the fund. However, eligibility may differ slightly from council to council, while payments may share money through local charities and support groups.
