The UK government has announced an extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from April 2024 to September 2024 to provide crisis support to vulnerable households struggling with the cost of living. Here are the key details on the HSF payments in 2024:
Household Support Fund Payments in 2024
Payment Amounts
- Households without children receiving Council Tax Support will get a one-time payment of £70.
- Households with one or more dependent children will receive £120.
- Discretionary payments of £120 may be available for low-income households not receiving Council Tax Support.
Payment Dates
- For claims made before July 12, 2024:
- Households without children: £70 payment on July 19, 2024.
- Households with children: £120 payment on July 19, 2024.
- For claims made after July 12, 2024:
- Households without children: £70 payment on September 26, 2024.
- Households with children: £120 payment on September 26, 2024.
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Eligibility
The fund is intended to support the most vulnerable households, including those receiving:
- Housing Benefit
- Local Council Tax Reduction
- Universal Credit (including the housing element)
- Means-tested free school meals
Authorities also have discretion to provide support to other low-income households struggling with the cost of living.
How to Apply
- Households already receiving Council Tax Support may receive automatic payments and do not need to reapply.
- Those not receiving Council Tax Support can apply for discretionary payments through their local council’s application process.
- Application forms and details will be made available by local councils in mid-2024.
The Household Support Fund is being administered by local authorities in England, who have flexibility in how the funding is distributed to meet the needs of their communities.[3] Eligible residents should check their local council’s website for full details on the application process and payment schedule.