Apply for a Household Support Fund payment

The Household Support Fund is a scheme funded by the government to help low income households.

Applications closed

The money we're given is for help with costs like food, energy bills and other essentials such as clothing and hygiene products.

The fund is a discretionary award, and we reserve the right to change the criteria at any time.

Who can apply

To apply for a payment, you must:

  • live in the Canterbury district and be 16 or over (including university students)
  • have a total household income of £40,000 or less - this includes any money from employment or benefits
  • have no more than £1,000 in savings and not have access to any other money to support your situation

You can only apply once and only for one type of help per household - so for example, you cannot submit an application for food bills and an application for help with energy costs.

How much money you can apply for

Type of application Amount
Help with food costs £250
Help with energy costs £250
Other essentials like period products, clothes and broadband £250

What you need to submit with your application

You’ll need to give us: 

  • your National Insurance number
  • proof of your address
  • bank statements covering one full month for every account in your name (including saving accounts)
  • details of any benefits you get including Universal credit statements if this applies
  • details of any benefits anyone in your household gets including Universal credit statements if this applies
  • bank statements for anyone 18 or over in your household covering one full month (including savings accounts) and anyone aged 16 or 17 that is employed or gets benefits and contributes towards household bills
  • your bank details

What happens after we get your application

We’ll look at all applications based on individual needs, the information and supporting evidence you give us, and the money available.

We'll give priority to people in urgent need.

If there is high demand for payments, you might not be given any money.

When you'll get a reply from us

We normally let you know the outcome of your application within 28 working days. 

If your application is not successful we’ll explain the reasons why.

The Household Support Fund 5 Framework sets out full details of the scheme and how payments are made: 

You can also see our privacy notice for how we'll use your personal data.