Thousands of people claiming benefits are set receive financial help this winter under the newly extended Household Support Fund. Nottingham City Council has received just over £3.5 million in the latest round of Household Support Fund money, taking its total allocation to nearly £10.7 million. Nottinghamshire County Council, meanwhile, has been awarded another £5.6 million.
The council finished distributing Phase Two of the Household Support Fund to vulnerable residents in September, with the new Household Support Fund Phase Three grant period now running from October 2022 to March 2023.
In some areas, £200 worth of food and energy bills vouchers were handed out to those most in need, although previously in Nottingham the Government grant has been used towards vouchers for food and energy bills, and holiday food vouchers for those on free school meals.
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The money was provided to to local authorities by the government and was up to each council to decide how to distribute this cash, whether that be via vouchers or cash payments. Nottingham City Council is set to issue an update on October 31 on Phase Three of the scheme and how to apply.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a government fund offering help to people struggling to cover the cost of basic living costs. These costs can include heating, rent, food and clothing.
A total of nearly £1.3 billion has so far been allocated to the Household Support Fund since it was launched last April. The fund is part of the government’s efforts to help poorer households cope with the cost of living crisis.
DWP minister Victoria Prentis explained: "The Household Support Fund has been an important Government support scheme for many of those in need over the past year, and I’m very pleased that our decision to extend it means it will continue to help people with the costs of essentials - including food and energy - this winter."
A statement on the Nottinghamshire County Council website reads: "Please continue to check the website regularly for updates on the method of delivery for Phase 3 of the fund, along with details of who is eligible for support. If an outstanding application you have made for the fund is still in progress, it will continue to be processed and we will complete this as soon as possible."
Nottingham City Council said: "The conditions of the new grant have changed and so the council is working with its partner agencies to plan how best to use this next round of support and how this will be accessed and will update this page by Monday October 31 2022 when arrangements have been confirmed. Please note that until the details of the new HSF3 support are confirmed, these agencies are unable to issue any new supermarket or energy vouchers." To check for updates from the city council click here.
Who is eligible for the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is intended for people on a low income who would otherwise struggle to pay for essential expenses. Exact eligibility criteria will vary, however, depending on your local authority.
Previous support was provided to those already working with one of our professional services - including Social Workers, Care Workers, Family Workers, Housing Officers and Benefits Advisors.
These professionals working for the County, District or Borough Councils will be able to make referrals for applicants on their behalf.
- Frontline officers working for the County and District and Borough Councils will use their knowledge to identify households and individuals and voucher support will be arranged.
- Professional officers will identify those who qualify for support and will arrange this for you if you are eligible. You do not need to contact us or your local authority.
How to apply for the Household Support Fund
To apply for the Household Support Fund, you should contact your local council to learn more about what support is available and who’s eligible for it. If you’re not sure which council you come under, you can find out by entering your postcode into the government’s online tool.
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