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 costs.
The Household Support Fund explained
April 2023 update
Phase four of the Household Support Fund launched on Saturday 1 April 2023 and will run to Sunday 31 March 2024. Phase four 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.
Please note that for phase four of the Household Support Fund, applicants can only be assisted a maximum of two times following a financial assessment, once during the first six months of the scheme (April 2023 to September 2023) and once during the second six months of the scheme (October 2023 to March 2024).
How to apply
Apply for 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 form.
The application also covers questions related to personal demographics to help us ensure that all communities in Salford are supported.
The application deadline is Sunday 31 March 2024.
Call the Household Support Fund Helpline on 0800 011 3998 from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Please note, there is currently no response time for applications to the Household Support Fund. If you would like an update on your application, or your application has now become urgent, please email HSFapplications@salford.gov.uk
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.
If you have applied in previous rounds of the Household Support Fund, you may still be eligible for further help. If you need support, please apply.
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) following a financial assessment 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.
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.
To find out more about Government support with the cost of living visit the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.
This page was last updated on 27 October 2023