Applications for the current Household Support Fund scheme have now closed. 

The government has provided extra funding from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. We are waiting to hear from Hampshire County Council about how much East Hampshire District Council will receive, and who will be eligible. As soon as we have the information we need, we will update this page with details of how to make an application. 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021 to provide support to vulnerable households in most need of support with essentials over winter. 

Although this is considered an extension to the previous two DWP household support fund schemes, it is a new fund and subject to its own conditions. 

The DWP Household Support Fund runs from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 or until the budget is spent. 

The Household Support Fund is there to support those in exceptional cases of genuine emergency where existing support from housing benefit, Universal Credit (housing element) and discretionary housing payments do not meet the exceptional need.

Who can apply 

We accept applications from, or on behalf of, people who are in financial difficulties. The person receiving the help must: 

• be over the age of 16 
• live in the East Hampshire area 

On going housing support for rent should be provided through the housing cost element of Universal Credit or through housing benefit rather than this fund. In addition, discretionary housing payment must first be considered before the exceptional housing support is offered through this fund.  We must also consider whether the applicant is at statutory risk of homelessness and therefore owed a duty of support through the homelessness prevention grant.   

In exceptional cases of genuine emergency, households in receipt of HB, UC, or DHPs can still receive housing cost support through this Fund to help with rent arrears.

Hampshire County Council have also allocated household support funding for a second food voucher scheme to help households in receipt of council tax support and housing benefit.

Other help that is available

Hampshire County Council have given schools, colleges and early years settings additional funding so that they can provide support to families they recognise as being in need.

It is not means-tested, and settings have discretion over the type of support that might be offered. This might include, for example: supermarket vouchers, warm clothing, white goods, blankets.

Further information is available here;

• Support from education and early years settings - Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council’s connect4communities programme can also signpost you to community pantries in the area. Community pantries work on the principle of giving those in need the opportunity to have a ‘helping hand’ by getting food at a lower price on a weekly basis.

Access to the community pantry is by way of membership and, for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value.   

Website: http://connect4communities.org  

Email: connect4communities@hants.gov.uk  

Directory: https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/home.page   

What can’t be funded 

• any application made that is felt to be not an immediate need 
• applications from those with sufficient income or savings 
• support with mortgages or personal debts 
• phone costs or associated expenses 
• help with payment of your ongoing rent as this is met through either: 
  
  • housing benefit if you are eligible 
  • housing element of Universal Credit 
  • discretionary housing benefit (for those receiving either housing benefit or housing element of Universal Credit) 
• help with council tax as this is met through either: 
  
  • the council tax discretionary relief scheme 
  • the council tax extreme hardship scheme (for those receiving a council tax reduction) 

Reviewing the decision 

There are no further appeals rights for the grant, the council’s decision is final.  

How to apply

To apply please complete the form below. You must live in the East Hampshire District.

Household support fund application form

You will also need to provide: 

• proof of rent arrears 
• a bank statement dated within the last two months detailing your name, address, and most recent transactions.  
• national insurance number 

You can send your evidence to benefits@easthants.gov.uk or upload your evidence here.