The UK government has extended the Household Support Fund (HSF) for a sixth time, allocating £421 million to councils in England to distribute to vulnerable households. The fund aims to provide financial assistance with essential expenses such as food, energy bills, and housing costs.
The distribution of funds varies across councils, resulting in different eligibility criteria and payment amounts. In Nottinghamshire, approximately 40,000 households are expected to receive the £6.5 million allocated to the council. Eligibility includes individuals and families who are struggling financially, with a focus on those not qualified for other government support programs.
Families with children receiving free school meals, or with children under five who meet equivalent eligibility criteria, will receive £1.55 million in support. Additionally, £1.55 million will be shared among households where one or more person receives or is eligible for Pension Credit, and £250,000 will be used for discretionary housing payments to prevent homelessness.
Applications for the £100 one-off payments will be processed later this summer, with residents in the area encouraged to be patient as they await contact from the county council. Those who do not reside in Nottinghamshire may still be eligible for support through their local councils.
The HSF was initially launched in October 2021 to address the cost of living crisis during the winter months. It has since been extended multiple times to continue providing support to those facing financial difficulties. The government has emphasized that help is available to those who need it, even if they do not live in Nottinghamshire. Individuals who have limited savings or are considered vulnerable or receiving benefits are encouraged to contact their local council to determine eligibility.
For more information and to check specific conditions for each element of the scheme, visit www.nottscc.gov.uk/householdsupportfund.
