Councillors have received a notification that the Household Support Fund has been extended. Please see the notification below from council officers.
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I write with an update about the Household Support Fund.
Following the extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for a further six months covering the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024, I am pleased to advise that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (“the Secretary of State”) has allocated Croydon Council £3,013,689.49.
Residents in crisis may access the application-based support element of the fund from Monday 20 May 2024 to see whether they qualify for this support.
It may be helpful for you to know that all residents who meet the eligibility criteria for the fund, as in the previous year, will have their applications considered.
APPLICATION BASED SUPPORT:
· Top-ups for pre-paid energy and water meters
· Assistance with energy and water bills debts
· Food vouchers
· Essential items relating to energy or water e.g., clothing, bedding, heater, and appliances.
· Essential items relating to food e.g., slow cooker, microwave, cooker, fridge.
· Items related to essential transport e.g., travel ticket, bicycle and helmet.
· Other essential household items e.g., furniture, minor adaptions, draught excluders
· Housing support (in exceptional circumstances, excluding mortgage payment)
Application turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks. However, in urgent cases it will be done within 1-3 working days.
CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION BASED FUND
Primary criteria
· Evidence of a low income, and
· Evidence of a crisis or
· Evidence of hardship or
· Risk of escalation (including referral from statutory services), and
· An identified need e.g., vulnerability disability, health issue, carer, children
Secondary criteria
· Priority is given to first time applicants and those not eligible for other types of help.
· Typically, one appliance only per application
· Awards typically capped and prioritised in accordance with published guidelines.
· Additional discretion can be applied in exceptional circumstances.
· Support with housing costs will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.
· It will not be awarded for ongoing housing costs or unsustainable tenancies.
· It will not be awarded to provide mortgage support.
· In exceptional and genuine emergencies, it can provide support for historical arrears.
How to apply:
Residents can apply via our Croydon Council website - Household Support Fund (HSF) - https://www.croydon.gov.uk/hsf or they can call us on 0208 760 5719 and applications can be taken over the phone.
It is so important that the Household Support Fund reaches those most in need, and I welcome the support of Members in sign posting residents to the Fund. We are also notifying voluntary, community, and faith sector of these arrangements.
