Household Support Fund schemes
Household Support Funding has come from the UK Government (Department for Work and Pensions) to local authorities, to support those who are struggling to cover basic heating costs and access other essential items.
A number of schemes have been developed by the council to support our local communities.
As this funding is allocated to South Ribble residents in need of financial support, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as proof of income or receive a home visit to survey your needs.
You do not need to be in receipt of benefits to access this support, but funding is targeted to those who are struggling financially.
The details that you provide us with will be shared with providers, to make sure that you are supported in the right way. We may check the details you provide against other records as part of our efforts to prevent fraud.
Household Support Fund Payments
We recognise that energy and household costs remain high for households. The scheme can help with short-term living costs. This may include support towards the cost of:
- energy, water, or connectivity (broadband or mobile phone) bills
- domestic heating or lighting products to improve energy efficiency
- wider essentials linked to energy and water (including sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, purchase of smaller / low value white goods i.e. a microwave, small fridge or slow cooker)
- support with transport such as repairing a vehicle, public transport, or paying for fuel
The scheme will also sign post applicants to other sources of advice and support to ensure that you get all the assistance you may be entitled to including Welfare Benefits and Debt Advice to help address long term needs, before any decisions are made.
Eligibility
- You are a resident of South Ribble
- Experiencing financial hardship and not have enough resources to meet your immediate short-term needs.
- You do not need to be on benefits to access the scheme
- Applicants may apply more than once during the duration of this round of funding, however applications will not be accepted within a 3 month period and we will request evidence that the funds awarded previously have been used for the intended purposes.
The maximum amount of an award that can be made is £300. This will be provided in appropriate vouchers. For single-person households an additional £50 will be provided (a maximum of £350).
Evidence of any gambling on bank statements provided will be investigated further as awards may not be made where there is evidence of gambling.
The scheme does not cover:
- Any requests for items that are not essential for example debts incurred by gambling or loans/credit cards, overdrafts, HP etc.
- Applications from those with sufficient income, savings, capital and assets
- Requests for household items where these are the responsibility of the landlord.
- Rent arrears and/or deposits unless meeting exceptional need
Accessing the Scheme
Apply for the Household Support Fund
The scheme may closed early if the budget is spent before September 2024.