Apply for a Household Support Fund payment

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

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

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 £500 in savings and not have access to any other money to support your situation

You can only apply to the Household Support Fund once between now and the end of February 2025 (or when the money runs out).

How much money you can apply for

Type of household Amount
Single people or couples with no children £100
Single people or couples with children £150
State pension age people £200

Only one payment can be made per household. If a child and a person of pension age live in the same household, you will only be eligible for one grant of £200.

What you need to submit with your application

You’ll need to give us: 

  • your National Insurance number - if you are applying for a £200 grant, we will need this for one state pension aged member of your household
  • your most recent council tax letter or statement
  • proof of address for anyone under 18 that lives with you
  • bank statements for all accounts held for everyone in your household (including savings accounts)
  • details of any benefits you and anyone in your household gets including Universal Credit statements if this applies
  • your bank details - we'll pay the money into this account if you're successful

Apply for a Household Support Fund payment

Help applying for the Household Support Fund

If you can't apply for the Household Support Fund, a friend or family member can complete an application on your behalf.

You can also visit a Local Digital Hub at Canterbury or Whitstable Library where a volunteer can help you to apply. You need to take the required information along with you, such as your National Insurance number and bank statements. You can book an appointment in advance.

You can contact us if you still need help.

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 even if you are eligible.

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 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.