The Household Support Fund is a government grant given to local councils to help people struggling with the cost of living. If you are renting and finding it
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The Household Support Fund is a government grant given to local councils to help people struggling with the cost of living. If you are renting and finding it hard to cover essential costs, including rent, food, energy bills, or other household expenses, your local council may be able to help through this fund. Here is how it works.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is money provided by the central government to local councils in England to help people who are in financial difficulty. Each council decides how to use its allocation, the rules are not the same everywhere.
The fund has been running since October 2021 and has been extended several times. Councils can use it to provide:
- Cash payments or vouchers
- Help with food costs
- Help with energy costs (fuel top-ups, white goods, energy-efficient items)
- Help with rent or housing costs in some areas
- Help with other essential household items
Who can apply?
Each council sets its own eligibility criteria. Generally, the fund is aimed at households that are struggling financially and do not qualify for other targeted support. Common eligibility factors include:
- Being on a low income
- Claiming benefits (though not always required)
- Facing a specific financial crisis or cost-of-living hardship
As a private renter, you may qualify, particularly if you are on a low income and struggling with rent, heating, or food costs.
How do I find out what my council offers?
Search for your local council's Household Support Fund page. You can find your council at gov.uk by entering your postcode. Each council's page should explain:
- What kinds of help are available
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- Any deadlines (the fund has a finite budget and can run out)
If you are not sure where to start, Citizens Advice or a local foodbank may be able to signpost you to the right place.
Can the HSF help with rent arrears?
Some councils allow HSF funding to be used for rent support or to prevent homelessness. Others restrict it to food and energy. If you are in rent arrears, it is worth asking your council about both the HSF and a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), which is a more targeted form of rent support for people receiving housing-related benefits.
What if I am refused?
If you are refused HSF support, ask the council for the reasons and whether there is an appeal or review process. Many councils have a limited budget and give priority to the most acute cases, if you are refused, try again if your situation worsens, or ask Citizens Advice to help you identify other sources of support.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
We handle housing disrepair claims. If you are struggling financially partly because your landlord has failed to keep your home in good repair, leading to higher energy bills because of poor insulation, or health costs because of damp and mould, a disrepair claim may result in compensation.
Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Sources
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.