What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a fantastic initiative aimed at helping people who are struggling with housing-related costs. Whether it’s rent, utility bills, or essential household items, the HSF is here to provide a helping hand. It’s managed by local councils within the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and it’s all about supporting those who need it most.
How Can You Access the Household Support Fund?
Each local council in the WMCA has its own way of handling the HSF. Here’s a quick rundown of how you can access the fund in your area:
Birmingham
- Who Can Apply? If you’re facing financial hardship or at risk of homelessness, you’re eligible.
- How to Apply? You can apply online through the Birmingham City Council website or get help from local support organisations.
- Referrals? Both self-referrals and referrals from organisations are welcome.
- What It Covers? Rent arrears, utility bills, and essential household items.
Coventry
- Who Can Apply?Low-income households, people with disabilities, and families with kids.
- How to Apply? Submit your application through the Coventry City Council’s online portal.
- Referrals? Mostly through organisations, but self-referrals are also considered.
- What It Covers? Food and energy costs.
Dudley
- Who Can Apply? Anyone experiencing financial difficulties.
- How to Apply? Apply via the Dudley Council website or through local charities.
- Referrals? Organisation referrals are preferred, but self-referrals are accepted too.
- What It Covers? Food, Fuel, essential utility bills, or other essential living or housing costs.
Sandwell
- Who Can Apply? Vulnerable households, including those with children or elderly members.
- How to Apply? Applications are available on the Sandwell Council website.
- Referrals? Both self-referrals and referrals from support organisations are accepted.
- What It Covers? Rent assistance, utility bills, and essential household goods.
Solihull
- Who Can Apply? Any household experiencing financial difficulties.
- How to Apply? Submit your application online through the Solihull Council website or call 0121 704 8284.
- Referrals? Both self-referrals and referrals from support organisations are accepted.
- What It Covers? Utility bills and debt, food, essential household items and clothing
Walsall
- Who Can Apply? Residents aged 18 or over experiencing financial hardship.
- How to Apply? Apply through the Walsall Council website or local support agencies.
- Referrals? Both self-referrals and organisation referrals are accepted.
- What It Covers? Rent, utility bills, and essential household items.
Wolverhampton
- Who Can Apply? Vulnerable individuals and families, including those with low income.
- How to Apply? Submit your application via the Wolverhampton Council website.
- Referrals? Organisation referrals are preferred, but self-referrals are also considered.
- What It Covers? Rent support, utility bills, and emergency housing needs.
What Can the Household Support Fund Pay For?
The HSF can help with a range of essential costs, such as:
- Rent and Mortgage Payments: To prevent eviction or foreclosure.
- Utility Bills: Including gas, electricity, and water.
- Essential Household Items: Like furniture, appliances, and bedding.
- Emergency Housing Needs: Temporary accommodation costs for those at immediate risk of homelessness.
How to Apply
Here’s a simple guide to applying for the HSF:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the criteria set by your local council.
- Gather Documentation: Get your documents ready, like proof of income, ID, and details of your financial situation.
- Submit Application: Fill out the application form on your local council’s website or through a support organisation.
- Await Decision: Your application will be reviewed, and you’ll be notified of the outcome.
For more detailed info, visit your local council’s website or contact a local support organisation.
How the Household Support Fund Helps Prevent and End Homelessness
The HSF is a key part of the strategy to prevent and end homelessness in the West Midlands. By providing timely financial help, it ensures that vulnerable households can stay in their homes and avoid the trauma of homelessness. Here are some real-life stories of how the HSF has made a difference:
Birmingham
The Housing Solutions and Support Service has used the HSF to help families, single people, elderly, and disabled individuals move into new homes by buying essential items like beds, cookers, and fridges. This support has helped them sustain their tenancies and build long-term homes.
“Over the past months we have been able to help 250 households from the fund. These are households that without the funding would not have beds to sleep on, be unable to store food, not able to cook hot meals. These are basic essentials that many of us take for granted but to others are a luxury that they see out of their means. It is hoped that with the funding continuing will be able to help many more households”
– Bev Fellows Housing Solutions & Support Service Caseworker Manager, Birmingham City Council
Coventry
The team in Coventry shared that the HSF helped someone keep their job by buying a bicycle. This reduced their transport costs, allowing them to spend money on other essentials and improve their financial stability.
“We had an applicant who was struggling with the cost of public transportation to get to work. They requested funding for a bicycle, which would eliminate their transportation expenses and allow them to allocate that money towards other essential costs. After considering the financial and health benefits, we approved the request. This decision highlighted the flexibility of the Housing Support Fund in addressing unique needs and supporting individuals in maintaining employment and financial stability”
- Andrew Howard, Customer Facing & Mediated Digital Team Manager, Coventry City Council
Dudley
Stephen’s journey has been anything but easy. Earlier this year, he found himself homeless and living in a hostel, trying to piece his life back together. As a single dad, things got even tougher when he unexpectedly lost his job. He relies on Universal Credit, but with repayments for an advance and a sanction, he was left with less than £80 to cover his expenses for the next three weeks.
Stephen had a debt of over £500 with his energy supplier, and with his limited income, he couldn’t even begin to think about paying it off. His daughter stays with him on weekends, and he was struggling to keep the lights on and the house warm.
Thankfully, Stourbridge Food Bank referred Stephen to Dudley’s Winter Warmth Team. They stepped in and provided £149 in top-up vouchers to cover his gas and electricity usage. They also paid off his energy debt, which was a huge relief for Stephen. This support helped him manage his finances better and reduced the burden of his debt.
But the help didn’t stop there. The team also referred Stephen to the Adult & Community Learning hub, giving him the opportunity to upskill and improve his job prospects for the future. This support has been a lifeline for Stephen, helping him get back on his feet and look forward to a brighter future.
Sandwell
The HSF has supported vulnerable households, including those with children or elderly members, by covering essential costs like rent and utility bills, ensuring they can maintain a stable living environment.
Solihull
The HSF has helped low-income families, people with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness by providing assistance with rent arrears and utility bills, preventing eviction and allowing them to focus on improving their financial situation.
Walsall
The HSF has been crucial in preventing homelessness by providing extra support for households in rented accommodation at risk of eviction due to rent arrears. The fund has also been used to top up the Discretionary Housing Payment fund, significantly increasing the support available to those in need.
Wolverhampton
The HSF has been a lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families, helping them cover essential costs like food, gas, and electricity, and ensuring they can maintain their homes during tough times.
These stories show just how important the HSF is in helping people overcome financial challenges and keep their homes.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) continues to be a vital lifeline for vulnerable households across England. With £421 million allocated for the period from October 2024 to March 2025, the fund aims to help those struggling with the cost of essentials like food, energy, and water bills. Local authorities have the flexibility to tailor the support to meet the immediate needs of their communities, ensuring that help is available where it’s needed most. This initiative not only provides financial relief but also connects people with additional resources and support services, making a real difference in their lives. Whether it’s keeping the lights on, putting food on the table, or helping someone get back on their feet, the HSF is there to offer a helping hand.
For more information, you can visit your local authority’s Household Support Fund web pages
Birmingham // Coventry // Dudley // Sandwell // Solihull // Walsall // Wolverhampton