The Household Support Fund Scheme has been extended
The Household Support Fund (HSF), provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has been extended until the end of September 2022 supporting vulnerable households most in need of help with significantly rising living costs.
To date the fund has successfully helped support over 1,400 households to pay for energy bills, food, and clothing. The funding has also supported 4,000 children across West Berkshire by providing Free School Meal vouchers, recognising the additional financial pressure during this time.
The funding is limited and will be made available to assist vulnerable residents, pensioners and children across West Berkshire.
Vulnerable residents in need of support with household essentials are encouraged to apply for the funding available as soon as possible as applications are now open.
The provision of free school meal vouchers will be prioritised to assist and support children over the six-week summer holidays and will be made available via early-years settings and schools.
The Household Support Fund can be accessed online by following this link: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/householdsupportfund (opens in new window). Please note funding is limited and demand is high.
If you are having difficulties with applying please contact the Customer Services team on: 01635 551111 (opening hours Monday-Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm, Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday).
If you are experiencing financial difficulties managing your household essentials, please visit the directory of service: Debt Advice (opens in new window) which provides useful details of organisations that offer advice and support in respect of finances.
To find out more about the support Central Government is offering to manage the rise in cost of living, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-to-receive-350-boost-to-help-with-rising-energy-costs.