Household Support Fund

What it is

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government funding pot of £421 million given to local councils to help households with essential costs — including energy bills, heating emergencies and short-term hardship.

Unlike national grant schemes, HSF is not a single central application, but a locally delivered form of support that councils tailor based on local need and funding availability.

Official guidance for councils:

👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/household-support-fund-guidance-for-county-councils-and-unitary-authorities

What help you can get

Support provided under the Household Support Fund can include:

• Energy bill assistance — help with electricity, gas or prepayment meter costs

• Emergency heating support — temporary support where heating has failed and household wellbeing is at risk

• Fuel vouchers — credits to help top up meters in hardship situations

• Small efficiency support — one-off help with minor measures that reduce energy costs

This varies by council and by current funding windows.

Who it’s for

The Household Support Fund is generally aimed at households facing short-term financial pressure, including:

• Low-income households

• Households not covered by other energy grants

• People facing unexpected energy crises

• Vulnerable residents with cold-home risks

You do not need to be on specific benefits to receive support, but eligibility conditions vary locally.

How it works

1. Councils receive funding from central government

2. Each council decides:
   

• Who qualifies

• What types of support are offered

• How applications are ma

3. Support is often awarded:
   

• Through council online forms

• By phone request

• Or by referral from local partners

4. Support is not guaranteed, and availability can change as funding is used.

Where to apply

There is no single national application portal for the Household Support Fund.

To find and apply for support in your area: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Step 1 — Visit your local council website

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

or

Search for:

• Household Support Fund

• Energy support

• Emergency heating help

• Fuel vouchers

For example:

[YourCouncilName].gov.uk → Search “Household Support Fund”

Step 2 — Contact your council’s customer services

Many councils offer telephone support if online information is limited.

Step 3 — Ask local advice services

Organisations such as Citizens Advice can help you find the correct route:

👉 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

Why this matters

The Household Support Fund often goes unnoticed because:

• It is delivered locally

• It is used for emergency or short-term help

• It is not branded primarily as “energy support”

Yet for many households, it can be the most immediately accessible form of assistance when facing:

• High energy bills

• Broken heating

• Unexpected energy costs

This fund works alongside schemes like the Warm Homes: Local Grant and national supports, filling gaps where other funding does not reach.

Summary

• HSF is official, live and current

• Delivered by local councils

• Can help with energy bills, heating emergencies and hardship

• No single national application — check your council site

• Does not require you to be on specific benefits (eligibility varies)

Official link (council guidance):

👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/household-support-fund-guidance-for-county-councils-and-unitary-authorities