Help for Households

The Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021, in order to support those most in need during winter, the first phase of the scheme ended on 31 March 2022. There have subsequently been three further rounds of the Fund.

On 6 March 2024, in the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further six months, from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024, with a further £421m of funding.

The fund is distributed to Unitary and County Councils. The Department for Work and Pensions has recently confirmed that Lancashire County Council (LCC) will be given £9.6 million to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs. Lancashire County Council (LCC) will be distributing a proportion of this funding to District Councils. LCC have confirmed that Ribble Valley will receive £116,379.

Eligible households who are struggling financially and have a combined household income of less than £50,000 per year can apply for a food voucher via using the following link - Household Support Fund Form. 
The following voucher amounts can be applied for:

• £200 for single households
• £300 for households with two or more adults residing
• £500 for households with children (household with a child is a household containing any person who will be under the age of 19 at the time of award or, a person aged 19 or over in respect of whom a child-related benefit (for example, Child Benefit) is paid or FSMs are provided.

The applications will open on 24 June 2024 and will run whilst sufficient funding is available (please note the funding is very limited and will be distributed on a first come basis). Only one application per household.

PLEASE NOTE: if you received a voucher as part of the HSF4 application round- 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (including vouchers issued between April and June 2024) you will not be eligible to apply for a voucher.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are eligible for the following government support schemes you will not be eligible to apply:

• Cost of Living Payments;