What is the Household Support Fund?
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In short: It was government funding for councils in England to help households in hardship with essentials such as food and energy bills. Its final period ended on 31 March 2026; from 1 April 2026 the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced it.
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The Household Support Fund (HSF) ran from October 2021, with its last funding period covering 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Each council decided eligibility, payment amounts, and whether help came as cash, vouchers or payments to suppliers.
In England, the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced it from 1 April 2026, with funding to 31 March 2029. Councils use it to help with energy and water bills, food, essential items and housing costs. You do not have to be getting benefits, and a payment will not affect benefits you already get. See our Crisis and Resilience Fund guide.
You apply through your local council or a partner charity it names. Evidence of hardship — such as a recent bank statement or benefit letter — may be required, and funds can run out.
Council help sits alongside other support such as the Warm Home Discount and benefit entitlements. Use a benefits calculator first; many people who ask for crisis help also qualify for ongoing help they are not claiming.
Primary source: www.gov.uk/government/publications/household-support-fund-guidance-for-local-councils
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