Financial support for residents

Update 14.4.25

The Government has recently announced an extension of the Household Support Fund (Scheme 7), and we are currently awaiting further details from Surrey County Council.  

Update 10.3.25

Household Support Fund Scheme 6 for households to apply to is now closed as all our funds have been spent. 

If you are struggling financially, other help is available.  For further information, please see the other sections on this page.

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. These funds are distributed to authorities to be allocated in line with Government guidance.

Waverley Borough Council was allocated £66,145. Some funds were allocated to local organisations to directly help their service users. These are listed below. 

The remaining funds of £26,145, were available to Waverley residents through our application-based scheme.

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. 

Update: 22.11.24

SCAM WARNING: Household Support Fund text messages

We have been made aware of scam text messages claiming to be from Government departments asking people to click links to apply for financial support. Advice about avoiding scams, and how to report them, can be found on GOV.UK

The Government's Cost of Living webpages provide an overview of support available to help with the cost of living including income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

Cost of Living Support (GOV.UK)

Surrey Crisis Fund

The Surrey Crisis fund is a discretionary fund run by Surrey County Council providing financial help to Surrey residents who have nowhere else to turn in an emergency or after a disaster. It can also provide assistance to set up a home in the community where no other funds or resources are available. This is a discretionary fund run by Surrey County Council and may be able to assist with food and toiletries, certain utilities, emergency travel costs and more.  

The fund aims to support people for one occasion and signpost to long-term help to prevent ongoing need.

Visit Surrey Crisis Fund (surreycc.gov.uk) or call 0300 200 1008.

We can consider awarding a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if there is gap between the amount of rent you must pay and the amount of housing benefit / Local Housing Allowance or Universal Credit you receive.

DHP can top-up housing benefit, but the total amount cannot be more than you pay in rent.

Find out more about the Discretionary Housing Payment and how to apply

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are designed to help people with disabilities to have independence in their homes. They are available to owner-occupiers, tenants and landlords. They are mandatory up to a value of £30,000 for a range of adaptations.

To apply visit the Disabled Facilities Grant page. 

If you need help with rent or living expenses then you may qualify for Universal Credit or other benefits. 

Find out more about Universal Credit on GOV.UK

Details about other benefits on GOV.UK