Updated: 1.7.2024
The Household Support Fund Scheme 5 is open. Due to high demand, funds are becoming limited. The scheme must close by 30 September 2024, or when all funds have been spent, however it is likely that it will close during July.
Please read the details below about how to apply.
We are experiencing a high volume of applications, meaning it is currently taking longer than expected to process applications - thank you for your patience while we do this.
Background information about the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a national scheme funded by the UK Government. It supports households in England that are most in need with the cost of essentials. £421m has been made available for the Household Support Fund across England. These funds have been distributed to authorities to be allocated in line with Government guidance.
There have been four Household Support Fund Schemes. Scheme 5 was announced by the Chancellor in his Spring Budget on 6 March 2024.
The council has allocated some funds to local organisations to directly help their service users. The remaining funds are available for Waverley residents to apply for through our application-based scheme.
What can I apply for?
Grants of up to £550 are available towards:
- Food
- Utilities - gas, electricity and water
- Essentials linked to energy and water such as warm clothing, boiler repair
- Essential household appliances such as a cooker, washing machine etc
- Essential household items such as school uniform, bedding etc.
You will be asked to provide documents to support your application such as bank statements.
Mortgage support will not be awarded. If you are having difficulties with your mortgage payments, contact your lender as soon as possible. Citizens Advice South West Surrey can also offer you advice if you are struggling to pay your mortgage.
Who can apply?
The Household Support Fund can provide help to individuals and families who are:
- a household living in Waverley
- finding it hard to pay essential household bills and buy essential household items.
If you have previously applied to the Household Support Fund (Schemes 1 - 4), you can apply again.
You cannot apply more than once to Scheme 5 and we can only accept one application per household.
How do I apply?
Applications are processed by Waverley Borough Council. Please complete the online application form and answer all questions fully.
Important information before you complete your application
Please make sure you answer all questions fully and provide the information we require. You will need to provide details about your circumstances otherwise your application may be turned down.
If you do not provide all the information we ask for, we will contact you. This means it will take longer to process your application. Applications will not be assessed until we have all the information we need. In these circumstances, funds may no longer be available by the time we are able to assess your application.
Note:
- You will need an identified official person to support your application. This could be a teacher, NHS worker, social worker, housing officer, rent account officer, person in a faith-based position or person from an organisation that provides support to you. It cannot be a family member or friend.
- After you have submitted your application, you will be asked to send us a recent bank or building society statement clearly showing your name, address, account number, sort code and balance on your account.
Apply online
If you need a paper copy of the form, or require help completing an application, please contact the Household Support Fund Co-ordinator on 01483 523204.
The council is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information have provided in your application for the prevention and detection of fraud.
Privacy Notice
The Privacy Notice for the Household Support Fund explains what happens to the personal information you provide when you contact Waverley Borough Council.
Additional support – Surrey Welfare Line
Are you confident you are receiving all the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to? Are you stressed about debt or worrying about how to make your money stretch further? Help is out there - Citizens Advice have teamed up with Surrey County Council to offer tailored financial advice to check that your finances are in the best shape they can be.
If you are interested in finding out more, and how you might be able to maximise your income, please contact Surrey’s Welfare Line on 0300 200 1008 and ask to be referred for “HSF Advice Services”.