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Household Support Fund – local eligibility framework

  • Posted On: 19th November 2021
  • BY: admin

Introduction

 On 6 October 2021 the government announced a package of support for vulnerable households. The £500 million Household Support Fund provides £421 million to help vulnerable people in England, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million. The funding is primarily being used to support households with the cost of essentials, although councils have flexibility to best address local needs. At least 50% of the funding is reserved for households with children. The scheme will run until 31 March 2022 when any unspent funds must be returned to the government.

East Sussex County Council received c£3.9m from this fund and have allocated the Council £120,000 to provide support to vulnerable households and cover the Council’s administration costs.

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be over the age of 18
    • Resident in East Sussex (and resident in the LA to which they are applying)
    • In receipt of a means tested benefit –
      • * Universal Credit
      • * Housing Benefit
      • * Pension Credit
      • * Council Tax Reduction
      • * Working Tax Credit
      • * Child Tax Credit
      • * Income Support
      • * Income Based Job-Seeker’s Allowance
      • * Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

     
    Scheme criteria

    Energy and Water costs – Support will be provided for the following

    • * Utility bills for gas (mains or LPG), oil, or electricity
    • * Water and/or sewerage bills
    • * Pay the value of the bill up to maximum cap of £250.00 for all utilities.
    • * Evidence required: Utility bill or evidence from key meter showing debit / arrears on the account dated within the last 30 days.
    • * Applicants can apply for utilities up to the cap of £250 per household during the lifetime of the scheme.

     

    Food – Support with the costs of food will be provided in vouchers which can be spent in all the main supermarkets. Vouchers will be administered via Huggg

    The following weekly allowances for food vouchers will be given:

    Child £15 per week each
    Adult £25 per week each
    • Vouchers will be paid for a 4 week.
    • Only one application per household during the lifetime of the scheme.

    Multiple applications

    Applicants can apply for both food scheme and the utilities scheme up to the limit of each individual scheme.

    • Only one application for food per household during the life of the scheme.
    • Multiple applications for Utilities allowed, but a maximum award of £250.00 per household.

    Applications can be made here

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