Household Support Fund (HSF 5)
Last updated: 16 May 2024
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Government has made an extra £421 million available to help the most vulnerable across England. The funding is an extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) and has been allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Southampton City Council has been allocated £2.2 million. This funding covers the period 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024.
The HSF is there to help low income households, including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. It provides help for those who are struggling with the cost of living.
How the Household Support Fund is being spent locally
The scheme in Southampton will provide the following support to residents:
School holiday funding
To support families and children, funding has been allocated to provide Free School Meals during school holidays:
- A £15 payment for each eligible child for May half-term
- A £60 payment for each eligible child for the Summer holiday
Support with food
Residents on low income and struggling with the cost of living, will be able to apply for a supermarket voucher for £50 for the main applicant and then £10 for each additional household member.
We will be open for self-referrals on the following dates and remain open subject to available funding:
- Tuesday 25 June
- Thursday 29 August
We will only accept one application per household. This means if you apply and get support in June, you will not be able to apply again in August.
Agency referral
We are working with a range of trusted partner organisations who can also make referrals for very vulnerable households.
Support to the local charity and voluntary sector
Over £100,000 will be provided to local agencies to provide practical support and advice to residents in the city.
Housing costs
Additional funding of £50,000 has been set aside to help residents with housing costs.
More information
Get more information about help available for the cost of living.
