Household Support Fund (HSF)

The Council has been given £1.68million from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide support to a wide range of low-income households who are most in need due to the rising cost of living.

The scheme is closely linked to energy costs, the rising cost of food, bills and other household costs.

Support will be staggered over the coming months to help reach the Borough's most vulnerable households.

Am I eligible for support?

This new Household Support Fund, extended to 30 September 2024, is being offered in the following ways.

Support for all households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction

If you are eligible for Council Tax Reduction you should have received an £80 voucher, exchangeable for money, to be used to help pay energy and food costs.

The vouchers can be exchanged for cash at any PayPoint outlet. You must use your voucher by 31 August 2024.

I don't get Council Tax Reduction but I still need support. What can I do?

There are discretionary payments of £80 per application available to low-income, energy paying households who do not receive Council Tax Reduction.

Households can check if they are eligible for this discretionary support to help pay their energy costs through our online application process. 

You may be eligible for this payment if:

• you live in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees
• your household does not get Council Tax Reduction 
• you are liable to pay the household energy bills or prepayment meters
• your total net weekly household income does not exceed £425 for a single person, £525 for a couple, or £625 for a family

You can apply for the discretionary payment until the end of September.

Apply for the Household Support Fund discretionary fund

Support for Care Leavers

People aged 18 to 25 years who have left care will receive a voucher worth £80.

Support for people accessing the 'Back on Track' scheme

The funding will also be used to supplement the Council's Back on Track Scheme. This scheme provides support to vulnerable people in financial crisis. 

Other cost of living help and support available

We want to make sure that you are aware of all the help and support available. Visit the Here to Help Hub to access a 'one stop shop' with all of the support services available including energy saving schemes, welfare assistance, food banks as well as health, housing and employment advice.