Household Support Fund

Does your household need extra financial support? If you're finding it difficult to keep warm, buy enough food or pay essential bills, you may be able to get extra help.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released an easy-read guide on how to claim the Household Support Fund -   Household Support Fund Easy Read Guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (PDF) [1MB]

East Sussex County Council have produced an easy-read guide to claiming extra help available for people in East Sussex

How do I qualify for help?

Residents who received an award from the Household Support Fund 4 scheme do not need to apply and will receive an automatic award from the Household Support Fund 5 scheme if they are still eligible.

You must live within the council's area, be over the age of 18 and be liable for the council tax, rent or mortgage at your address, have recourse to public funds, and be finding it difficult to pay for heating, lighting, water bills or food.

You must also be in receipt of:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Universal Credit with no deduction for earned income.
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income Based Job-Seeker's Allowance
• Income Related Employment & Support Allowance

And have less than £6,000 in capital

What costs can I get help with?

You can get help with the cost of food and utility bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders.

• If you are at risk of losing your home please see our homelessness advice and services

Check whether you qualify for support by downloading the Eligibility Criteria below.

Household Support Fund Local Eligibility Framework - Eastbourne Borough Council (PDF) [102KB]

Household Support Fund Local Eligibility Framework - Lewes District Council (PDF) [103KB]

How will I receive the financial help?

Eastbourne

If you qualify, help with meeting the cost of energy and water bills will be paid direct into your bank account by way of a one-off payment of £125 per household.

Lewes

If you qualify, help with meeting the cost of energy and water bills will be paid direct into your bank account by way of a one-off payment of £100 per household.

What information should I have to hand before I apply?

Having the following to hand will help speed up the application process and how quickly we can check that you qualify for help.

• Your national insurance number
• Your bank account number and sort code
• If you have deductions from your Universal Credit for income, you may be asked to supply screen shots from your journal, showing how your award has been calculated.

How is this scheme being funded?

All of these programmes are Funded by the UK Government, who have allocated £421M to the Household Support Fund for County Councils and Unitary Authorities. The Council has been allocated funds to administer on East Sussex County Council's behalf.

This fund is available up to 30 September 2024, but may close sooner depending on how many applications for help are received.

How do I apply?

You will be able to apply online using the Grant Approval website.

Apply online

The best way to apply is online as you will receive notification of the decision and can track the application. East Sussex Libraries have computers available to access internet services. Information on library internet and computer services can be found at

East Sussex County Council - Computers and Internet Libraries

Applications can also be made on your behalf by a member of your family or friend network with access to the internet. Your details will need to be submitted for the application.

Are any other types of help on offer?

Yes - further, advice and help are available across the County as follows:

• Warm homes check service - if you're worried about keeping warm at home and you are on a low income, contact the team to get free advice and see if you qualify for help with any upgrades to things like windows, boilers, or insulation. East Sussex County Council - Keep warm and well, text WARM to 80011 or phone 0800 464 7307.
• Advice and support.  Contact Citizens Advice, who can help direct you a range of advice and help services.  They can also put you in touch with a range of voluntary groups and foodbanks across East Sussex that have also been given extra funding to help East Sussex residents manage extra the extra costs we are all facing this winter. 
• Citizens advice, Eastbourne - Call 0800 144 8848 or find advice online at Citizens Advice Eastbourne - Citizens Advice in Eastbourne
• Citizens Advice, Lewes - Call 0808 278 7892 or find advice online at Lewes District Citizens Advice | East Sussex Citizens Advice - Citizens Advice in the Lewes district
• BHT Sussex - offer a range of services, details can be found on their website - BHT Sussex
• Gov.uk has advice on help you can apply for - Gov.uk/cost-of-living