The Household Support Fund (DWP) is available to households who are in financial crisis and have substantial energy debts.
The Household Support Fund (DWP) grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, UK Government and administered by us
We have a limited amount of money available through the Household Support Fund to help people who are in financial crisis due to cost of living pressures. The funding is available to 31 March 2025 or when the funding has been allocated, whichever occurs first.
Cost of living support information on GOV.UK
How funds will be allocated
Demand for support is high, but you should apply if you are facing significant hardship.
We will need to ask for some information about your household and your financial situation.
Payments will be made to help households in immediate crisis - for example, those unable to buy food, pay energy bills or buy other essentials. Payments are to help you get what you need while you look for support (such as advice on benefits and debt) from other organisations. We will put you in contact with those services if you need them.
If you are on a low income or have no access to other financial support and are struggling to pay your bills, you should make an application.
We welcome one application per household. You will be asked questions about your finances, including your income and savings, and you may need to provide proof to support your answers.
Make an application
Applying online is the quickest way to apply. Your application will be assessed and prioritised by the Household Support Fund Team:
Or you can call the Household Support Fund Team on 0300 373 3300
Calls from a landline will cost up to 16p per minute and can cost anywhere from 3p to 65p per minute if calling from a mobile. Please check with your network provider for call charges to this number.
Our opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 3pm and Friday 9am to 2:30pm.
How we use the funding
We are using this funding in a number of ways to provide support including:
- free school meals/school clothing grants
- supporting care leavers and foster carers
- supporting the holiday activity and food programme
- providing funding via our Locality Boards
Beware of scams
We don't need your bank details and never ask for them over the telephone.
If you get calls from people asking for your bank details and claiming to be us, be careful and:
- report the call to police Action Fraud
- contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline for advice if you need it on 0808 223 1133
- alert your bank, if you have given out your bank details
