Household Support Fund (HSF)

The UK government recently announced an extension to the Household Support Fund to support struggling households with bills and essential costs until 31 March 2025.

There is continued support available for those struggling with the costs of living.

Household food and energy bills support

Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP)  manages some of the Household Support Fund (HSF) on our behalf, providing household grants to help with food and fuel bills.

Citizens Advice (BCP) will be issuing Household Support Fund (HSF) grants on behalf of the council to provide short-term financial support for low-income households struggling with food and energy bills.

To qualify for the Household Support Fund (HSF), you:

• must live in the BCP Council area
• over the age of 16 and living independently of parents or carers
• do not have the money to pay for essentials
• can provide the required proof of your identity, BCP Council residency and household financial information, including a summary for every person in your household not in full-time education. You may also be required to provide proof of income, such as a recent bank statement

Demand for the HSF grant is high and it may take 8 weeks to process your application. We cannot guarantee that you will receive the grant and your application may be rejected due to a lack of funds. We will support as many applicants as possible, but funds are limited.

When and how to apply

Grants will be open for applications for two rounds over the winter:

• round 1 will be from Monday 11 November until Friday 13 December 2024
• round 2 will be from Monday 13 January until Friday 21 February 2025

Eligible residents can apply direct to Citizen’s Advice BCP.

School holiday food vouchers

The HSF funds vouchers of £15 per child per week during school holidays for children receiving free school meals until 31 March 2025. Vouchers are also available at the school’s discretion for those in financial hardship. Schools issue vouchers directly to families, and you do not need to apply.

Food vouchers may also be available for children under 5 years if certain criteria are met. To receive a voucher, children must be living in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole and meet one of the following criteria:

• currently claiming 2 year old early education funding at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term
• currently claiming Early Years Pupil Premium funding for 3 and 4 year olds at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term (this is different to the early education funding available to all 3 and 4 year olds)
• currently have an open case with a social worker or Early Help family support worker and are of pre-school age

Claims for a food voucher for a child under 5 are made via an application form available before each holiday period. Check the Family Information Team's Facebook page or contact the Family Information Service on 01202 093131 to see when the application form is available.

Help with saving energy and keeping warm

We are working with existing local energy partners and schemes such as Dorset Healthy Homes and Local Energy Advice Partnership.

Ridgewater Energy can help provide more information on what is available, and further support and advice can be found on our energy and utility bills page.