The Household Support Fund (HSF) provides grants and other support to people in Derbyshire who are facing financial hardship.

The HSF was made available by the Department for Work and Pensions to cover the period between October 2021 and the end of March this year.

However, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced that more funding would be made available until 30 September when he made his Spring Statement earlier this year.

It is part of efforts to tackle the so-called cost of living crisis.

The Chancellor said: “I want to do more to help our most vulnerable households with rising costs. They need targeted support. So I am doubling the HSF to £1bn with £500m of new funding.

“Local authorities are best placed to help those in need in their local areas and they will receive this funding from April.”

The HSF is available through Derbyshire County Council – here’s a look at the extension and what it means in more detail.

What can the HSF be used for?

Families facing financial hardship can apply to the fund for help paying towards their food, energy and essential living costs.

How much funding is available?

Households could receive payments worth £64 plus an extra £20 for each partner and any dependent children.

For example, Derbyshire County Council says a couple with two children could receive a payment worth up to £124 from the fund.

A maximum of two payments are available from the HSF between April and September.

Who is eligible for funding?

To be eligible for a grant from the HSF, applicants must be over the age of 16 and live in Derbyshire. They must also be able to demonstrate that they are facing financial hardship.

Derbyshire County Council says: “We have a limited amount of money and all applications will be assessed on the basis of need, urgency and risk.”

How do I apply for a grant from the HSF?

Applications for funding can be made by calling 01629 533 399.

Is there any other help and support available?

Yes, the HSF is in addition to the Derbyshire Discretionary Fund scheme, which allows eligible households to receive up to three emergency cash payments over the course of a year.

You can find more information about the Household Support Fund here.

Picture credit – Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay