Household Support Fund – what you need to know. CAEE Blog.
“Since June the Fund has allowed us to support 90 local households with essential extra resources.” Our FAQs.
Anna Tickle is Household Support Fund Administrator and Research and Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. CAEE Blog (3 mins)
The Household Support Fund – you may have seen or heard something about it on posters or social media.
But what is it and why is it important? It’s important because it could mean badly needed extra resources for you or people you know. Here is what you need to know in 5 answers to 5 questions.
1) What is the HSF?
In February the government ended special support payments to qualifying low-income families facing problems due to the cost-of-living crisis. However, they decided to continue the ‘discretionary’ Household Support Fund for a limited time. ‘Discretionary’ means ‘not automatic’ so you must apply.
The HSF provides short-term financial support to households who are struggling with the cost of essentials. Local people can apply for support until the end of September.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Surrey County Council have asked Citizens Advice and two other local charities to manage the fund in the borough on their behalf. We have resources from the fund to specifically help residents of Epsom & Ewell who are facing financial hardship.
2) How are we helping?
Local people can apply in two ways:
• as new clients – by contacting online or in person to make an application; or
• as existing clients – when we think the scheme may help them and suggest they apply. This can be through an appointment or our drop-in service.
When you have applied, we assess your situation to see if you are eligible and find the best way to help. There are different possibilities:
• supermarket vouchers
• energy vouchers
• direct payments to energy/water suppliers
• purchase of appliances and goods
• direct payments for specific services.
On top of this, the HSF allows us to see if there are areas where we can help clients further. For instance, we may make an appointment with one of our advisers for help with an ongoing issue.
3) Who are we helping?
People who may be eligible for HSF help are:
• those who receive certain benefits
• live in a low-income household, or
• need crisis support (where the crisis would cause financial hardship).
Looking closer, a large percentage of the households we have helped have at least one occupant with a disability, and/or at least one occupant under 18. For instance, nearly half the households have a child or children; with the HSF we have been able to help many of these families with the cost of school uniforms.
Our online application process has also enabled us to provide support to people who haven’t used our services before.
4) Why is this important?
Anything, any surprise event or surprisingly expensive item can send a household into temporary financial crisis. A large energy bill, a broken fridge, a required new school uniform. The costs can be unpredictable and we may not be prepared to handle them. This can be extremely difficult, especially with the continuing very high cost-of-living.
The HSF has enabled us to support people quickly and effectively and our clients have been very grateful.
5) Would you like to apply?
If you want to apply to the Household Support Fund, you can make an online application here at https://www.caee.org.uk/household-support-fund/
Or apply in person at one of our drop-in sessions on Monday and Tuesday 10am to 1pm, and Thursdays 10am to 3pm, at the Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, KT18 5AG.