The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has allocated Croydon Council £3,013,689.49 Household Support Fund (HSF) Extension Grant for the period 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2025.
Approval has now been given and qualifying residents in crisis can access the application-based support element of the fund.
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 2 weeks.
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.
How to apply
Residents can apply via Croydon's website www.croydon.gov.uk/hsf