Household Support Fund extended through to March 2027
Councils receive a further year of funding to provide crisis grants and energy support to low-income residents, with rules set locally.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed a further extension of the Household Support Fund, providing English councils with funding to distribute as crisis grants, energy or food vouchers, and white-goods support through to March 2027.
Each council sets its own eligibility criteria, application process and payment amounts. Some target the fund through schools and food banks; others require a direct application or referral via a local advice agency.
Households facing immediate hardship — for example, a broken boiler in winter, an unaffordable food bill, or a need to replace a fridge — are encouraged to contact their local council's welfare or 'emergency assistance' team. Citizens Advice can refer locally where direct routes are unclear.
Devolved nations operate equivalent schemes: the Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales, and Discretionary Support in Northern Ireland.