On 1 April 2024 Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (“the Secretary of State”) allocated Croydon Council £3,013,689.49 Household Support Fund (HSF) Extension Grant for the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024.

Approval has now been given and qualifying residents in crisis can access the application-based support element of the fund from Monday 20 May 2024.

All residents who fulfil the following eligibility criteria for the fund will have their applications considered:

Application based support. 

·         Top-ups for pre-paid energy and water meters

·         Assistance with energy and water bills debts

·         Food vouchers

·         Essential items relating to energy or water e.g., clothing, bedding, heater, and appliances. 

·         Essential items relating to food e.g., slow cooker, microwave, cooker, fridge.

·         Items related to essential transport e.g., travel ticket, bicycle and helmet. 

·         Other essential household items e.g., furniture, minor adaptions, draft excluders

·         Housing support (in exceptional circumstances, excluding mortgage payment)

·         Application turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks. However, in urgent cases it will be done within 1-3 working days. 

Criteria for application based fund

A.   Primary criteria

·         Evidence of a low income, and 

·         Evidence of a crisis or

·         Evidence of hardship or

·         Risk of escalation (including referral from statutory services), and

·         An identified need e.g., vulnerability disability, health issue, carer, children

B. Secondary criteria 

·         Priority given to first time applicants, those not eligible for other types of help.

·         Typically, one appliance only per application

·         Awards typically capped and prioritised in accordance with published guidelines. 

·         Additional discretion can be applied in exceptional circumstances. 

·         Support with housing costs will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.

·         It will not be awarded for ongoing housing costs or unsustainable tenancies. 

·         It will not be awarded to provide mortgage support.

·         In exceptional and genuine emergencies, it can provide support for historical arrears.

It is important that the Household Support Fund reaches those most in need, and I welcome your support in sign posting residents to the Fund.

How to apply

Residents can apply via our website Household Support Fund (HSF) | Croydon Council or they can call Housing team on 0208 760 5719 and applications can be taken over the phone.