Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund aims to help households in most need with the cost of essentials.
Quick links
When can I apply?
You will only be able to apply on the following date (subject to changes) using the link above:
- 29 January 2025, 9am (up to a maximum of 1,100 applications)
Am I eligible?
The scheme aims to support those on a low income, have limited savings, and are particularly at risk due to factors such as disabilities or caring for young children.
Can I apply myself?
Yes, you can apply for the following: -
- Energy bills (including heating, cooking and lighting).
A professional referrer (please see FAQs below) can also complete an application on your behalf for support with energy bills.
What will I need to provide?
You will be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, such as:
- last two months bank statements
Please have these ready to upload with your application form if you are submitting an application online by yourself.
I cannot claim public funds. Can I apply?
People who cannot claim public funds are not eligible to apply for this grant.
There are some exceptions: for example, where someone has community care needs, serious health problems or there is a risk to a child’s wellbeing. In these cases, please contact Children’s Services Duty and Assessment Team (for families with children) or Adult’s Services Duty and Assessment Team (for individuals and couples without children) on 0116 454 1004 who will be able to assess and refer into the scheme.
How will I receive support?
We will look at the information in your application to see what support you need.
If your application is successful, your award will be made in the following ways:
- A Post Office Payout voucher to be redeemed for cash at your nearest Post Office for gas and electricity bills.
These will be a contribution towards your spending on these items, not a replacement for your entire budget.
Can I apply more than once?
No, you can only apply once to the scheme.
How will you decide if I qualify?
We will assess your application and email you to explain our decision. If you were referred by a professional, we will also provide a copy of the email to them.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
Yes, you can ask a family member or friend to apply on your behalf.
How long will this scheme run for?
The scheme will run from 5 November 2024 to the end of February 2025, unless funding is exhausted before this date.
Frequently asked questions
If you are not able to apply using the above methods, you can contact one of the following Leicester City Council teams if you are receiving support from them:
- Children's social care through your social worker (if you receive support from them)
- Adults social care and safeguarding through your social worker (if you receive support from them)
- Your Income Management Officer, Supporting Tenants and Residents (STAR) or Neighbourhood Housing Officer (if you are a Leicester City Council tenant)
- Welfare Rights Service (if you receive support from them)
- Transitions Team (you receive support from them)
We will only be able to accept professional referrals on the following dates between 9am and 5pm:
- Wednesday 13 November 2024
- Wednesday 4 December 2024
- Wednesday 8 January 2025
- Wednesday 29 January 2025
If you do not have any contact or support from these services, or if you need help to complete the online application as you do not have online access or need language support, call us on 0116 454 1019, Monday to Friday between 9:30 and 4pm.
If we need to make any changes, an updated policy will be published on this page. All applications received the day after any published changes will be assessed in line with that updated policy.
The scheme may close earlier if all the funding has been used.
We offer a range of advice and support to city residents.
- Benefits and other support
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4 Flex) which aims to improve the energy efficiency of homes occupied by low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households.
Preventing fraud
We must make sure that all applications are made legitimately.
If you falsely declare your circumstances, provide a false statement, or provide false evidence in support of your application, you may have committed an offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and financial irregularity. All suspicions of fraud relating to this scheme will be referred to Leicestershire Police.
Protect yourself from fraud
If you have received a text or SMS asking you to click the link to apply for Household Support Fund, DO NOT CLICK on the link.
The Household Support Fund Team will never send a text message asking you to apply by clicking on a link.
Emails are sent out from [email protected] or [email protected]
If you have been a victim of fraud, please contact Leicestershire Police.