The Department for Work and Pensions announced on 30 September 2021 that a new support fund would be available for financially vulnerable families effective 6 October 2021. The new fund is called the Household Support Fund (HSF), with £500 million of support nationally. The HSF will be distributed by Local Authorities.
At least 50% of the total funding must be spent on families with children. The aim is that the HSF should primarily be used to support households in the most need with food, energy and water bills.
The York Household Support Grant scheme opened on 15 November 2021 and will close 31 March 2022.
There will be 2 application windows for the standard payments, with potential for 2 payments, shortly after each window
- Monday 15 November to Sunday 5 December 2021, for the period October 6 2021 to December 31 2021
- Monday 10 January to Sunday 30 January 2022, for the period January 1 2022 to January 31 2022
Household Support Fund Details
Grants will be provided through two routes
Route 1 - Invited to apply
People who meet the following eligibility criteria will be invited by letter to apply for the grant scheme.
- families with dependent children under 18 who are currently receiving Council Tax Support.
- people in receipt of Housing benefit/Council Tax Support and Enhanced Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The invitation letter gives details of how to apply using the link provided. Anyone who needs assistance to apply can contact our Benefits Team or talk to one of the advice and support services across the city.
Or contact our customer service team.
This support will be provided as two payments, one in early December 2021 and a second amount in February 2022. These payments are intended to help families with household bills. The payment will be a standard amount based on the number of children in the family.
Route 2 - Direct applications
Residents who have not been invited to apply and are struggling to meet their winter bills can also apply directly for a grant. Check your eligibility before you apply.
This will be through a means tested application which will require you to prepare some financial information. You may also be able to apply for exceptional financial circumstances relating to other essentials which will be assessed on a discretionary basis.
Standard support will be provided as two payments, one in early December 2021 and a second amount in February 2022. These payments are intended to help families with household bills. The payment will be a standard amount based on the number of children in the family.
Any exceptional discretionary awards will be made on an individual basis as appropriate.