Household Support Fund

Money to help if you're struggling with food, bills or energy costs

Funded by UK Government logo

Update: Last chance to apply for financial support from the Household Support Fund

Apply for financial help through the Household Support Fund by Friday 20 March.

Check your eligibility and apply for the Household Support Fund now and read on to find out how it could help you.

Apply now

What is the Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is designed to help if you are struggling with food, bills, or energy costs. It’s UK Government funding from the Department for Work and Pensions and has been given to local authorities to help those most in need - with the previous round of funding having closed in March 2025.

As with previous rounds, the council continues to work in partnership with the Hardship Alliance to manage and distribute the fund. The Alliance is a group of local charities working with the Council - Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charities.

We will give funding via our partnerships to provide support for food, fuel, and energy costs, including signposting to other support on offer.

How will the funding be used

Each council has the flexibility to use the funds in ways that best support their residents. In Wokingham, we will use the funding as follows:

direct financial support for low-income households with children who directly receive pupil premium free school meals
a scheme that allows residents to apply for financial help if they are struggling
cost-of-living support for low-income households, including specific funding for charities that help with debt advice across multiple demographics
funding for local community organisations supporting residents who are struggling due to the cost-of-living, including SEND after-school provisions and extra-curricular opportunities

Who will receive payments, and when

The current round of funding runs until the end of March 2026, for those who qualify to receive money from the Household Support Fund.

Who is eligible to apply

The focus is to identify the people with the greatest need, particularly families and individuals facing financial hardship, people with disabilities and older people.

For round seven of the Household Support Fund you must be in receipt of a means tested benefit, such as Universal Credit or legacy benefits, in addition to one or more of the below criteria:

In receipt of Limited Capability for Work- and work-related activity (LCWRA)

In receipt of a non means tested benefit (Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, i.e. not child benefit)

Debts and Arrears (Rent, Council Tax, Energy etc.), including whether the debt is interest-bearing or not

Been in receipt of additional non-Household Support Fund services (e.g., Food Bank or other non-Household Support Fund support)

In receipt of pension credits

Please check your eligibility and apply by using our online form. If you are eligible, your details will be passed to the Hardship Alliance and you will be contacted for a further conversation to understand your needs.

Evidence of your financial situation will be required so that support reaches those who need it most.

What is the application process if I meet the criteria

Individuals who meet the requirements for Household Support Funding will be contacted by one of the charities, who will assist with making a personalised plan based on their individual need and circumstances. 

If you have not been in receipt of the UK Government funding from the Household Support Fund in the past, but need financial support, please contact a charity in the Hardship Alliance and they will assess your possible eligibility and provide further help and advice.

Citizens Advice Wokingham: householdsupportfund@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk

Age UK Berkshire: info@ageukberkshire.org.uk or 0118 959 4242

Wokingham United Charities: hsg@wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk

The Hardship Alliance will continue to review the distribution of the funds in line with the criteria to best meet need. Further information will be issued in accordance with the review processes.

Other sources of support

Other means of support are also available if you need it:

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you may be eligible to a Council Tax discount or exemption

If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and it doesn’t cover all your rent, you may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment to help

If you are a local business and need help with business rates, or are struggling to pay, you may be eligible for a reduction and further support

If you receive certain benefits your child may be eligible for free school meals

For more information about support you may be able to access, see our Cost of Living page.

You can also contact Citizens Advice Wokingham to get help with benefits, debt, housing, relationship problems and employment law. Call 0808 278 7958, Monday to Friday.