The deadline for making an application was 3 January 2023. The fund has been allocated and new applications cannot be accepted.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is delivered by local councils with funding provided by the Government. The fund is used to support households in the most need facing financial hardship.
The fund has been delivered in different rounds.
On Monday 20 February 2023, the Government announced that Lincolnshire would be awarded a further £10,929,370 for the fourth round of the Household Support Fund, which covers the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Local Authorities are currently reviewing the guidance provided by the Government on how this funding can be used. Further details will be published once available.
HSF Round 3 (1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023)
Lincolnshire County Council was allocated £5.46m for this third round of the Household Support Fund. Local Authorities were asked by the Government to give particular consideration to households who had not benefitted from cost of living support payments.
Lincolnshire County Council has worked in partnership with district councils to identify and agree the most appropriate methods for distributing this funding. In Lincolnshire, 56% of the grant has been used to fund support for children and young people eligible for free school meals, two-year-old years entitlement and early years pupil premium. This funding has been allocated through schools and early years providers to eligible families via a one-off payment of £100 per child.
The seven district councils across Lincolnshire will collectively distribute approximately 25% of the grant funding to households in receipt of housing benefit only as these households have not benefited from cost of living support payments. If you are eligible, you will have received a letter from us with further details.
The remaining funding is being used to support households in exception need. In West Lindsey, the funding has been used to help local food banks provide emergency food parcels. An application process was also delivered for households to apply for direct support.
Additional Support
Residents facing financial difficulties can also visit GOV.UK's Help for Households for details of the other support available.
In addition, there is a Holiday Food and Activity programme for children eligible for benefits related free school meals.
You can also find on our Cost of Living support page which gives key information on what support is available and how to access it. As new schemes, advice and support becomes available this page will be kept updated.