Household Support Fund

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given local councils funding to support people who are struggling to afford food, utility bills and other essential items this winter.

Local authorities (LAs) have discretion on exactly how this funding is used and so eligibility and terms may vary by LA. The following information is based on Lancaster City Councils (LCC) guidance.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scheme you must be:

• Aged 16 years or over
• A resident of the Lancaster district
• Experiencing financial hardship and struggling to afford essential items this winter

What kind of support is available?

The household support fund can help with short-term living costs such as food, help with gas and electricity, and water bills as well as help with other essential items and household appliances. Cash will not usually be awarded.

If household appliances such as washing machines or fridges are required, these items will be purchased through the scheme and delivery will be arranged directly to your home.  

There is also be an opportunity within the application process to be referred for budgeting and debt advice.

What type of requests will be refused?

• Any requests for items that are not essential
• Applications from those with sufficient income or savings
• Requests for household items where these are the responsibility of the landlord

Apply to the household support fund

You will need to provide the following information:

• Where you live
• Full household details
• Your circumstances
• Your income
• What support you need

You can find further details and a link to the application form on LCC’s website.