Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, was introduced in October 2021 to support vulnerable households with essentials like food and energy.

Autumn 2022 update

Phase three of the Household Support Fund launched on 1 November 2022 and will run to 31 March 2023. Phase three of the scheme focuses on helping Salford residents with food and energy due to the cost of living crisis.

This scheme is discretionary and the funds will be used to support households in the most need. This particularly includes those who may not be eligible for other support made available by government. That includes the cost of living payments set out on 26 May 2022 and the energy support set out on 3 February, enhanced on 26 May 2022, and detailed on 29 July, but who are nevertheless in need.

Please note that for phase three of the Household Support Fund applicants will only be assisted once under the scheme.

How to apply

Apply to the Household Support Fund

Please note that various information is required to complete the application such as your current energy supplier, a recent bank statement and Universal Credit Journal (where applicable). You will need to have this to hand when completing the application.

The application also covers questions related to personal demographics to help us ensure that all communities in Salford are supported.

The application deadline is 31 March 2023.

Who is eligible for support?

Salford residents do not need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund, however applicants need to provide evidence that they do not have the funds themselves to purchase the items requested.

Applicants are only eligible for support once under phase three of the scheme.

What can the Household Support Fund help with?

Residents who need support can apply directly for funding online. The support is distributed by Salford City Council's Salford Assist team by way of a grant payment (via vouchers) to those eligible.

Please note that funding is not issued via a cash payment.

The scheme focuses on supporting Salford residents with:

  • Food
  • Fuel
  • Energy

Salford Assist will also help with referrals to other agencies to ensure you are getting the help you need.

For further details on the previous Household Support Fund allocations, please continue down this page.

How Salford has used the Household Support Fund to help residents

The Household Support Fund supported thousands of households and families in Salford and was allocated in different ways. The Household Support Fund was distributed by Salford City Council's Salford Assist team to provide help with food, fuel, gas and electricity, furniture and white goods to residents in financial hardship. Residents could apply directly online for support, but funding was also allocated to:

  • families on Free School Meals
  • families using Early Years Services
  • support for residents via Salford Adult Social Care teams, Welfare Rights and Debt Advice service, Salford Citizen’s Advice and voluntary organisations
  • young people via Youth Provision Services
  • residents with rents arrears via Housing Benefits
  • residents via Community Food Schemes

Further information

The Household Support Fund does not impact on any other benefits you may receive. If you require any further information, please email HSFapplications@salford.gov.uk

If you need help completing the application form you can visit your local gateway centre or Broughton Hub and staff will be able to help. Find your nearest centre.

This page was last updated on 17 March 2023

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